Method and system for regulating fluid over an airfoil or a hydrofoil

ABSTRACT

The present invention features a fluid flow regulator that functions to influence fluid flow across an airfoil or hydrofoil, as well as various rotating or rotary devices, including propellers, impellers, turbines, rotors, fans, and other similar devices, as well as to affect the performance of airfoils and hydrofoils and these rotary devices subjected to a fluid. The fluid flow regulator comprises a pressure recovery drop that induces a sudden drop in pressure at an optimal pressure recovery point on the surface, such that a sub-atmospheric barrier is created that serves as a cushion between the molecules in the fluid and the molecules at the airfoil&#39;s or hydrofoil&#39;s surface. More specifically, the fluid flow regulator functions to regulate the pressure gradients that exist along the surface of an airfoil or hydrofoil. Selectively reducing the pressure drag at various locations along the surface, as well as the pressure drag induced forward and aft of the airfoil or hydrofoil, via the pressure recovery drop regulates pressure gradients. Reducing the pressure drag in turn increases pressure recovery or pressure recovery potential, which pressure recovery subsequently reduces the friction drag along the surface. Reducing friction drag decreases the potential for fluid separation, and reduces the separation and separation potential of the fluid.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/390,510, filed Jun. 21, 2002, and entitled, “System and Methodfor Using Surface Pressure Gradient Regulators to Control and ImproveFluid Flow Over the Surface of an Object,” which is incorporated byreference in its entirety herein, and to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/600/922, filed Jun. 19, 2003, and entitled, “Method and Systemfor Regulating Fluid Over an Airfoil or a Hydrofoil.”

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to external fluid flow across a foil, suchas an airfoil or hydrofoil, and particularly, to a method and system forinfluencing and regulating the properties and characteristics of thefluid flow, and thus the fluid flow itself, across the surface of anairfoil or hydrofoil, such as a propeller, a turbine or turbine blade, afan blade, an impeller, a blower, and others, which, in effect,optimizes the fluid flow, thus increasing the efficiency of the foil, aswell as the actual properties and characteristics of the fluid.

2. Background of the Invention and Related Art

As an object moves through a fluid, or as a fluid moves over the surfaceof an object, the molecules of the fluid near the object becomedisturbed and begin to move about the object. As the fluid continues tomove over the object's surface, those molecules adjacent the surface ofthe object have the effect of adhering to the surface, thus creatingnegative forces caused by the collision of these molecules with othermolecules moving in the free stream. The magnitude of these forceslargely depends on the shape of the object, the velocity of fluid flowwith respect to the object, the mass of the object, the viscosity of thefluid, and the compressibility of the fluid. The closer the moleculesare to the object, the more collisions they have. This effect creates athin layer of fluid near the surface in which velocity changes from zeroat the surface to the free stream value away from the surface. This iscommonly referred to as the boundary layer because it occurs on theboundary of the fluid. The collision of molecules at the surface of anobject creates inefficient and unpredictable fluid flow, such as drag,and inevitably turbulence and vortexes.

Most things in nature try to exist within a state of equilibrium. Thesame is true for fluid flow over the surface of objects found in naturalenvironments. For example, during a windstorm over the dessert, or asnowstorm over a field, or even the sand on the beach as the water flowsrepeatedly over, evidence exists that a state of equilibrium between thefluid flow and the surface over which the fluid is flowing is trying tobe reached. As conditions are not perfect and the flow must be less thancompletely laminar, the surface of these natural conditions formsseveral sequential ripples or ledges that indicate the fluid and thesurface are reaching as close a state of equilibrium as possible. Justlike in nature, manufactured conditions and situations are equally notable to reach perfect conditions of fluid flow.

The study of aerodynamics over a surface has been extensive. However,over the years, the prevailing theory or idea has been that smoother orstreamlined is better and operates to optimize fluid flow. As such,every conceivable manufactured device or system in which fluid passesover the surface of an object has been formed with the surface being assmooth and streamlined as possible.

The fields of fluid dynamics and aerodynamics study the flow of fluid orgas in a variety of conditions. Traditionally this field has attemptedto explain and develop parameters to predict viscous material's behaviorusing simple gradient modeling. These models have enjoyed only limitedsuccess because of the complex nature of flow. Low velocity flow iseasily modeled using common and intuitive techniques, but once the flowrate of a fluid or gas increases past a threshold, the flow becomesunpredictable and chaotic, due to turbulence caused by the interactionbetween the flowing material and the flow vessel. This turbulence causesmajor reductions in flow rate and efficiency because the flow mustovercome a multi-directional forces caused by the turbulent fluid flow.

Attempts to improve flow rate and efficiency, scientists and engineershave traditionally accepted the principle that the smoother the surfacethe material is passing over, the lower the amount of turbulence. Thus,efforts by scientists and engineers to improve flow and efficiency rateshave generally focused on minimizing the size of the surface featuresacross which the material is flowing. Because the turbulence is causedby micro-sized surface features, efforts to minimize these them havealways been limited by the technology used to access the micro-sizedworld.

Turbulence occurs at the rigid body/fluid or gas interface also know asthe boundary layer. The flowing material behaves predictably i.e. in alaminar fashion, as long as the pressure down flow remains lower thanthe pressure up flow. Generally as the rate of flow increases thepressure also increases, and the pressure gradient in the boundary layerbecomes smaller. After a certain threshold is achieved, the flow closerto the rigid body is much slower than the flow outside the boundarylayer, thus the pressure directly in the orthogonal direction from therigid body is less than the pressure down flow. This causes the kineticenergy of the molecules in the boundary layer to move in the directionof the lowest pressure, or away from the rigid body. This change in thedirection of the material, from moving in the direction of flow tomoving across the direction of flow in the boundary layer createsvortices within the boundary layer and along the rigid body. Thesevortices create drag because the direction of flow as well as thekinetic energy of the particles is not in the down flow direction alone,but in a variety of directions. As a result, large amounts of energy arerequired to overcome the drag force, lowering the flow rate andefficiency.

Developments in the past few decades have improved on the traditionalunderstanding of flow over a rigid body, resulting in advances inmathematical and computer modeling, as well as improved theoreticalunderstanding of a material's behavior under non-ideal circumstances.Most of these advances have focused on improving the flow surface.

One such example of an improved flow surface is to use a rough flowsurface that creates myriad miro-vortices much like a shark's skin orsand paper. It is thought that these small turbulence zones inhibit thecreation of larger and more drag creating vortices. While these roughmaterials have been used in advanced racing yacht hulls as well as inswimming suite materials, there is still not a large improvement oversmooth surfaces. Thus, the state of the art is still struggling tounderstand turbulent flow beyond specific equations, and applicationsare still slowed by the drag and inefficiency caused by the turbulentflow.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to offer a solution to much of the fluidflow problems across the surfaces of the several different types ofairfoils and hydrofoils, such as a propeller, a fan blade, a turbine, arotor, and/or an impeller, as encountered in both controlled and naturalenvironments as discussed above. In its most general theoreticaldescription, the present invention features a fluid flow regulator thatfunctions to influence fluid flow across the surface of an airfoil orhydrofoil. More specifically, the present invention fluid flow regulatorfunctions to regulate the pressure gradients that exist along thesurfaces of a foil subject to either liquid or gaseous fluid and itsflow. The controlled regulation of pressure gradients is accomplished byreducing the pressure drag at various locations along the surfaces, aswell as the pressure drag induced forward and aft of the foils, via apressure recovery drop. Reducing the pressure drag in turn increasespressure recovery or pressure recovery potential, which pressurerecovery subsequently lowers the friction drag along the surfaces. Byreducing or lowering friction drag, the potential for fluid separationis decreased, or in other words, attachment potential of the fluid issignificantly increased. All of these effects may be appropriately andcollectively phrased and referred to herein as optimization of fluidflow, wherein the fluid flow, its properties and characteristics (e.g.,separation, boundary layer, laminar vs. turbulent flow), and itsrelationship to the foil are each optimized, as well as the performanceof the foil subject to the fluid flow.

The present invention describes a method and system for controlling theflow of a fluid over the surface of an object to improve the fluid flowby introducing at least one, and perhaps a plurality of, depending uponenvironmental conditions, fluid flow regulators that serve to regulatepressure, and to reduce the magnitude of molecule collision occurringwithin the fluid near the surface of the object, thus reducing turbulentflow or increasing laminar flow and reducing fluid separation. This isaccomplished by controlling or regulating the pressure at any given areaor point on the surface of the object using the fluid flow regulator.Likewise, the pressure may be regulated and fixed at a certain valuedepending upon the conditions under which the object is operating. Beingable to regulate the pressure at any given area or areas on the surfaceof an object over which fluid may pass will provide for the directregulation of velocity, density, and viscosity of the fluid as well.Controlling these parameters will allow the flow to be optimized for anyconceivable condition or environment.

It is contemplated that the present invention is applicable or pertainsto any type of fluid, such as gaseous fluids and liquids. For purposesof discussion, gaseous fluids, namely air, will be the primary focus.

In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly describedherein, the present invention further features a fluid control systemand method for controlling the fluid flow over the surface of an objectto optimize the flow of the fluid and to reduce its disruptive behavior.The fluid flow control system of the present invention utilizes one ormore fluid flow regulators, or pressure gradient regulators, to create asub-atmospheric barrier or a reduced pressure shield along the surfaceof an object, wherein the molecules of the boundary layer are unable tosufficiently adhere to the surface and collide with other molecules tocreate inefficient fluid flow. As such, these molecules flow across orover the surface of the object in a more efficient manner than knownstandard aerodynamic surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid flow control system comprises: afluid flowing at an identifiable velocity and pressure and having aspecific density; an object having an identifiable surface areacomprising the object's surface, wherein the fluid flow is introduced toand flows across at least a portion of the object's surface; and atleast one fluid flow regulator formed within the object's surface,wherein a surface pressure may be regulated at any point along saidsurface, and wherein the fluid flow regulator comprises a drop point anda drop face extending from the drop point at a substantiallyperpendicular angle from the object's surface and existing in thedirection of flow of said fluid to create a sub-atmospheric barrier, thefluid flow regulator designed to induce a sub-atmospheric barrier at thepressure gradient regulator on the object's surface, the fluid flowregulator ultimately causing a reduction of turbulence in and anincrease in laminar flow of the fluid across the object's surface.

In an alternative embodiment, the fluid control system comprises a fluidflowing at an identifiable velocity and pressure; a first surfaceexisting in a first plane and comprising a surface area, wherein thefluid flows across at least a portion of the first surface; a secondsurface also comprising a surface area, the second surface existing in asecond plane that is offset from the first plane in a substantiallyparallel relationship, wherein the second surface extends from the firstsurface in the direction of flow of the fluid; and a fluid flowregulator relating the first surface to the second surface andcomprising similar elements as described above, as well as the drop faceof the pressure gradient regulator extends from the first surface at asubstantially perpendicular angle.

The present invention further features a method for controlling the flowof a fluid over the surface of an object comprising the steps ofobtaining an object subject to fluid flow, the object having one or morefluid carrying surfaces over which a fluid passes; and forming one ormore fluid flow regulators in the fluid carrying surfaces, wherein thefluid flow regulators comprise similar elements and features asdescribed above.

With proper selection of the design parameters of the one or more fluidflow regulators, the resulting disturbances in the laminar boundary atthe surface of an object can be decreased so that boundary layerseparation as described above, relative to where the separation wouldhave occurred in the absence of a fluid flow regulator, may be virtuallyeliminated. The surface pressure gradient allows the pressure at anyarea on a surface to be regulated with the goal of achieving lessturbulent and more laminar fluid flow across and leaving the surface ofthe object. In essence, the fluid flow regulators accomplish in amanufactured and controlled setting what nature is trying to do innatural environments—achieve the greatest state of equalization orharmony between the fluid flow and the surface of the object over whichthe fluid passes.

The present invention is applicable to any airfoil, hydrofoil, orrotating body system subject to fluid flow. In several preferred andexemplary embodiments, the present invention comprises or features oneor more fluid flow regulators featured within an airfoil, a hydrofoil, apropeller, an impeller, a fan, a turbine, a rotary system, and others,wherein the fluid flow regulator is positioned preferably about one ormore surfaces subject to fluid flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand features of the invention are obtained, a more particulardescription of the invention briefly described above will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in theappended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be consideredlimiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric cross-section of an object having asurface and one or more fluid flow regulators therein;

FIG. 2-A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an object having asurface and one or more fluid flow regulators therein;

FIG. 2-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an object having asurface and one or more fluid flow regulators therein, wherein saidfluid flow regulator comprises a pressure recovery drop having aplurality of drop faces;

FIG. 2-C illustrates the touch and go phenomenon created by the presentinvention fluid flow regulators;

FIG. 3-A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an object having astreamlined surface and the pressure gradients or pressure drag existingalong the surface;

FIG. 3-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an object having asurface and one or more fluid flow regulators therein, as well as thepressure gradients or pressure drag existing along the surface;

FIG. 3-C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an object having asurface and one or more fluid flow regulators therein, as well as theflow of fluid over the surface and the generated sub-atmosphericbarrier;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a plurality of fluidflow regulators situated along the surface of an object and thedirection of airflow with respect to the fluid flow regulators;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a removable ordetachable fluid flow regulator device capable of attaching or adheringto a surface to provide one or more fluid flow regulators thereon;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric cut away view of a surface having aplurality of fluid flow regulators thereon arranged in several differentorientations with respect to fluid flow;

FIG. 7-A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of one exemplaryembodiment of a plurality of dynamic fluid flow regulators showing howthe fluid flow regulators may be adjustable to accommodate varyingconditions or fluid behavior across the surface of an object;

FIG. 7-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of another exemplaryembodiment of a plurality of dynamic fluid flow regulators showing howthe fluid flow regulators may be adjustable to accommodate varyingconditions or fluid behavior across the surface of an object;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of an airplane wing having one ormore fluid flow regulators formed in the upper and lower surfaces of thewing;

FIG. 9-A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an airplane winghaving a plurality of fluid flow regulators along its upper and lowersurfaces arranged in one exemplary pattern;

FIG. 9-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an airplane winghaving a plurality of fluid flow regulators along its upper and lowersurfaces arranged in another exemplary pattern;

FIG. 10-A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a streamlined wingand the pressure gradients or pressure drag existing along the upper andlower surfaces of the wing;

FIG. 10-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a wing having aplurality of fluid flow regulators arranged in an exemplary pattern, aswell as the effect these fluid flow regulators have on the pressuregradients and pressure drag existing on the upper and lower surfaces ofthe wing;

FIG. 11-A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a wing having aplurality of fluid flow regulators incorporated therein, wherein thewing is at an identified angle of attack showing the magnitude of thepressure gradients or pressure drag on the wing at that particularangle;

FIG. 11-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a wing having aplurality of fluid flow regulators incorporated therein, wherein thewing is at a different identified angle of attack showing and comparingthe magnitude of the pressure gradients or pressure drag on the wing atthat particular angle;

FIG. 12-A illustrates an isometric view of a boat or ship propellercomprising or featuring a plurality of fluid flow regulators accordingto one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12-B illustrates a side view of the boat or ship propeller of FIG.12-A, as well as a cross-section of one blade of the propeller, whereinthe blade comprises or features a plurality of fluid flow regulatorsaccording to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13-A illustrates an isometric view of a fan comprising or featuringa plurality of fluid flow regulators according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13-B illustrates a side view of the fan of FIG. 12-A, as well as across-section of one blade of the fan, wherein the blade comprises orfeatures a plurality of fluid flow regulators according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14-A illustrates top view of a rotor system comprising or featuringa plurality of fluid flow regulators according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14-B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one rotor blade ofthe rotor system shown in FIG. 14-A comprising or featuring a pluralityof fluid flow regulators according to one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14-C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the rotor bladeshown in FIG. 14-B, wherein the rotor blade is at an increased angle ofattack and comprises or features a plurality of fluid flow regulatorsaccording to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15-A illustrates an isometric view of an impeller comprising orfeaturing a plurality of fluid flow regulators according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15-B illustrates a side view of the impeller of FIG. 12-A, as wellas a cross-section of one blade of the impeller, wherein the bladecomprises or features a plurality of fluid flow regulators according toone exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16-A illustrates an isometric view of a turbine comprising orfeaturing a plurality of fluid flow regulators according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16-B illustrates a side view of the turbine of FIG. 12-A, as wellas a cross-section of one blade of the turbine, wherein the bladecomprises or features a plurality of fluid flow regulators according toone exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17-A illustrates a front view of a fan having streamlined fanblades that produce large and turbulent tip vortices, as shown; and

FIG. 17-B illustrates the fan of FIG. 17-A modified to feature aplurality of fluid flow regulators on each of the fan blades, whereinthe fluid flow regulators function to reduce the tip vortices generated,produced, or induced by the fan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein,could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the system and method of the present invention, andrepresented in FIGS. 1 through 17-B, is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of thepresently preferred embodiments of the invention. The presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood byreference to the Figures, wherein like parts are designated by likenumerals throughout.

The following more detailed description will be divided into severalsections for greater clarity and ease of discussion. Specifically, thefollowing more detailed description is divided into three sections. Thefirst section pertains to and sets forth a general discussion onimproving and regulating external fluid flow over any object surfaceusing the present invention systems and methods presented herein. Thesecond section pertains to and sets forth a specific description ofairfoils featuring the fluid flow regulating system and method of thepresent invention as set forth herein, along with several examples thatdetail the procedure of various airfoil tests or experiments conductedand the results of these tests. The third section pertains to and setsforth a specific description of hydrofoils employing the fluid flowregulating system and method of the present invention as set forthherein. Finally, the fourth section provides a description of foilsfound in rotary devices, such as fans, propellers, turbines, etc. Thesesections and the descriptions and embodiments within these sections, arenot to be construed as limiting in any way, but are provided for theease and convenience of the reader.

Influencing, Regulating, And Improving Fluid Flow Over Any Object'sSurface

The present invention seeks to provide new insight into the complexnature of fluid flow over an object's surface, and particularly externalfluid flow, such as air or liquid fluid flow. Specifically, the presentinvention seeks to provide a shifting or altering of the currentconceptual understanding of fluid flow over a surface by presentingvarious methods and systems that significantly improve, influence, andregulate fluid flow over the surface of an object, namely in terms ofthe mechanics, behavior, and characteristics of the fluid flow. Stateddifferently, the concepts underlying the systems and methods of thepresent invention, as well as the systems and methods themselves, as setforth herein, denote and suggest a profound paradigm shift fromtraditional and current thinking and concepts pertaining to fluid flowover an object's surface, and particularly pertaining to the commonconception that streamlined or smooth surfaces are the best way toachieve optimal fluid flow and peak performance of the object or body inthe flow. Having said this, although significantly altering currentthinking, the present invention seeks to further the understanding offluid flow and is designed to be utilized in conjunction with several ofthe technological developments and concepts relating to fluid flow thathave developed over the years. As such, it is contemplated that thepresent invention will both frustrate and augment or supplement currentfluid flow concepts and technology, depending upon their applicabilityto the present invention technology.

As discussed above, the study of fluid flow over the last severaldecades has been immense, with new ideas and technologies developing ata rapid pace. However, as also discussed above, one core fundamentalconcept regarding fluid flow over an object's surface, upon which massof studies and development of technology has been based, has always beenassumed—that a smooth or streamlined surface is the best possiblesurface for achieving optimal fluid flow. However, as is shown herein,it is believed that this core fundamental concept is somewhat flawed,and that it is upon this basis that the present invention seeks to offeror presents a paradigm shift in the complex field of external fluidmechanics. Simply stated, the present invention will allow the design ofobjects, bodies, devices, and systems otherwise thought to be optimal tobe improved upon.

Typically, an object that is moving through a fluid or that has a fluidpassing over it experiences different types of aerodynamic forces. Asthe fluid flows over the object, the molecules in the fluid aredisturbed and try to move around the object so that they can equalizethemselves once again. Aerodynamic forces and their magnitude aredependent upon several factors, as discussed herein. However, two veryimportant factors are the viscosity of the fluid and the compressibilityof the fluid. In regards to viscosity, as fluid passes over the surfaceof an object a boundary layer is created. This boundary layer acts as amolecular barrier of fluid particles between the free flowing fluid andthe object surface. The boundary layer may separate from the surface andmay contribute to the drag forces on the object.

Drag forces manifest themselves in the form of pressure drag forces(pressure drag) and friction drag forces (friction drag), which are bothrelated to one another. Friction drag results from the friction betweenthe molecules in the fluid and the molecules in the surface as the fluidpasses over the surface. Pressure drag is generated by the eddyingmotions that are created in the fluid by the passage of the fluid overthe object. Pressure drag is less sensitive to the Reynolds number ofthe fluid than friction drag. Although both pressure and friction dragare directly related to the viscosity of the fluid, it is useful todefine each of these and their characteristics because they each are theresult of different flow phenomena. Frictional drag is more of a factorduring attached flow where there is little or no separation and it isrelated to the surface area exposed to the fluid flow. Pressure drag isan important factor when discussing and analyzing separation and itsstarting points and is related to the cross-sectional area of theobject.

The compressibility of the fluid is also important. As fluid passes overthe surface of an object, the molecules in the fluid move around theobject. If the fluid is dense, such as water, the density will remainconstant, even at higher velocities. If the fluid is not as dense, suchas with air, the density will not remain constant (except at lowspeeds—typically less than 200 mph). Instead, the fluid will becomecompressed, thus changing the density of the fluid. As the densitychanges, the forces induced upon the object by the fluid will alsochange. This is even more true at higher velocities.

In its broadest implication, or in its highest level of abstraction, thepresent invention describes a method and system for influencing andregulating fluid flow, namely its properties or characteristics andbehavior, over an object's surface, wherein the system comprises one ormore fluid flow regulators strategically designed and positioned alongthe surface of the object. The method comprises introducing orincorporating or featuring one or more fluid flow regulatorsonto/into/with the object's surface, by creating a surface featuring afluid flow regulator, or altering an existing surface to comprise one ormore fluid flow regulators. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid flowregulator comprises a Dargan™ fluid flow regulator having a Dargan™drop, which induces or generates a Dargan™ barrier, which technology isdesigned and owned by Velocity Systems, Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah84111.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown is an isometric view and a sideview, respectively, of a segment of an object 12 having a surface 14thereon. Incorporated into surface 14 is a fluid flow regulator 10designed to both influence, control, and regulate the flow of fluid 2(indicated by the direction arrow in each of the Figures herein) oversurface 14 of object 12. Structurally, fluid flow regulator 10 comprisesa leading edge 18, a trailing edge 22, and a pressure recovery drop 26strategically placed at an optimal pressure recovery point 34, so as toinduce or create a sub-atmospheric barrier 38 at its base. Pressurerecovery drop 26 comprises one or more drop faces 30 therein.

Leading edge 18 is an area of surface or surface area existing onsurface 14 that leads into a pressure recovery drop 26, or a Dargandrop, that is positioned as close to an optimal pressure recovery point34, as possible, defined below. As such, depending upon differentconditions and situations, there may be one or a plurality of optimalpressure recovery points along one particular surface, thus calling forone or a plurality of fluid flow regulators 10 (see FIG. 4). It couldalso be said that leading edge 18 is a surface area that extends outwardin a rearward direction from the top of drop face 30 of pressurerecovery drop 26 an identified distance, or that leading edge 18 is asurface area that precedes pressure recovery drop 26, each with respectto the direction (of fluid flow. Leading edge 18 may be of any size andshape as desired or called for as dictated by design parameters.However, it should be noted that leading edge 18 must be of sufficientlength to receive fluid flow 2 thereon, or contribute to the flow offluid on surface 14.

Pressure recovery drop 26 is part of or is an extension of surface 14and leading edge 18. Structurally, pressure recovery drop 26 ispreferably orthogonal and comprises a surface area or drop face 30 thatis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to leading edge 18, andpreferably ninety degrees 90° perpendicular. Pressure recovery drop 26extends perpendicularly in a downward direction from leading edge 18 sothat it comprises an identified and pre-determined height. In otherwords, pressure recovery drop extends between leading edge 18 andtrailing edge 22 and exists or is postured in a sub-fluid arrangement,such that the fluid 2 will always encounter pressure drop 26 fromleading edge 18 and fall off of drop face 30. This is true no matter howsurface 14 is oriented (e.g., horizontal, vertical, on an angle, etc.).Fluid flow in the opposite direction so that it flows up pressurerecovery drop 26 is not intended and is contrary to the presentinvention.

Pressure recovery drop 26 is positioned at or as precisely proximate anoptimal pressure recovery point 34 as possible, the reason beingexplained in detail below. The distance that pressure recovery drop 26extends from leading edge 18, or the height of drop face 30 is critical.The greater the height, the greater the pressure drop and the morepressure drag is reduced, which leads to an increase in pressurerecovery at the surface and greater reduction in friction drag. All ofthis functions to increase the fluid attachment potential, or statedanother way; reduce the separation potential of the fluid. Conversely,the shorter the height of drop face 30, the less pressure drag isreduced. The less pressure drag is reduced, the less pressure recoverythere will be at the surface, which subsequently leads to less fluidattachment potential. Therefore, the height of drop face 30 isspecifically calculated for every fluid flow situation that an objectmight encounter, which drop face height is pre-determined prior to orduring fluid flow. The calculation of the height of drop face 30 isbased upon several design, fluid, and other physical factors, as well ason several environmental conditions. Some of these factors or conditionsinclude the particular type of fluid flowing over the object's surface,the velocity of fluid, the viscosity of fluid, the temperature of fluid,the direction of the flow of the fluid, the type and texture of thesurface, the geometric area of the object's surface both before andafter the pressure recovery drop, the magnitude or range of pressureexisting on object's surface, the orientation of the object within orwith respect to the fluid, and any others. For example, the height ofdrop face 30 may not need to be as high if the surface is a prop or boathull traveling through water because the pressure recovery will bequick. On the other hand, for similar flow properties and/orcharacteristics of an object flowing through air, the height of dropface 30 may be much greater to achieve the same optimal flowcharacteristics as the pressure recovery will be slower as compared tothe pressure recovery along an object's surface in water. Thus, fromthis it can be seen that drop face 30 is, among other things, verydensity dependent. Pressure recovery drop 26 may also be variable inthat it's height may be adjustable to account for changing or varyingfactors/conditions. This is especially advantageous because externalflow exists, for the most part, within an uncontrolled environment wherethe properties and characteristics of the fluid are volatile and maychange or vary in response to changing conditions or other influencingfactors, such as the presence, speed, size, and shape of an object.

Trailing edge 22 is similar in structure to leading edge 18, onlyinstead of preceding pressure recovery drop 26, trailing edge 22 followspressure recovery drop 26 with respect to the direction of fluid flow sothat fluid flow 2 passes over leading edge 18, then pressure recoverydrop 26, and then finally trailing edge 22. Trailing edge 22 extendsoutward in a forward direction from pressure recovery drop 26, andparticularly from the bottom of drop face 30. Just like leading edge 18,trailing extends an identified distance and provides a trailing flowboundary for said fluid. Both leading edge 18 and trailing edge 22 aredefined in relation to the direction of fluid flow (represented by thearrows).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, leading edge 18 and trailingedge 22 are integrally formed with surface 14 so that they are actuallypart of surface 14. Other embodiments, shown and described below, arepresented herein where leading edge and/or trailing edge are notintegrally formed with surface 14. moreover, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrateonly a single fluid flow regulator 10, wherein the present inventioncontemplates the use of one or a plurality of such regulators along asingle surface, depending upon several factors, including designrequirements of the object, fluid flow, fluid type, environmentalfactors, and any others relating to fluid flow over a surface.

As stated above, the present invention recognizes what may be termed asan optimal pressure recovery point 34. Optimal pressure recovery point34 is defined herein as the point(s) or location(s) about surface 14 atwhich there is an imbalanced or unequal pressure gradient forward andaft of fluid 2, thus creating adverse pressure within internal flowdevice 12, which adverse pressure gradient induces friction and pressuredrag that ultimately increases the separation potential of fluid 2. Assuch, the presence of adverse pressure signals less than optimal flow.The location of each optimal pressure recovery point is a calculateddetermination that dictates the placement of fluid flow regulators 10.

Since fluid flow may separate at various locations, surface 14 maycomprise several optimal pressure recovery points 34. As fluid 2 travelsover surface 14 of object 12 it possesses identifiable or quantifiablecharacteristics and parameters with regards to its velocity, drag ratio,pressure, density, viscosity, and others. These are largely determinedby the existing environmental conditions, as well as the particulardesign parameters and characteristics of the object and its surface,such as shape, size, texture, and other aerodynamic or design factors.Thus, as fluid 2 flows over surface 14, these parameters are defined.However, at the same time they are continuously changing as dictated bythe same factors. Thus, fluid 2 will possess certain characteristics,properties, and behavior just prior to its introduction across surface14 of object 12. Once introduced to object 12, fluid 2 will undergo manyinfluencing forces caused by the moving or dynamic object 12 passingthrough fluid 2 or fluid 2 passing over a stationary object 12. Theseinfluencing forces will, among other things, disrupt the equilibrium ofthe fluid, induce pressure differentials or gradients, and cause fluidseparation; and all along surface 14, fluid 2 will try to compensate andstabilize or equalize itself. This disruption is even more evident asfluid 2 leaves surface 14. Often, leaving surface 14 will induce thegreatest amount of disruption or turbulence in fluid 2 as the fluid mustabruptly leave a surface to which it is trying to adhere. During thistransitional period from the time a fluid exists prior to introductionto an object, to the time the fluid is passing over or through thesurface, to the time the fluid leaves the surface of the object has beenthe focus of years of study and experimentation. As discussed above,significant strides in these areas have been made, but serious problemsassociated with boundary layers, fluid separation, pressure equilibrium,drag, and turbulent vs. laminar flow remain.

With reference to FIGS. 2-A, 2-B, and 2-C, and particularly 2-C, shownis an exemplary object 12. FIG. 2-C illustrates the effective “touch andgo” or pulse flow phenomenon created by fluid flow regulators 10featured over surface 14 of object 12. Specifically, FIG. 2-Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of object 12. As can be seen, fluid 2flows over surface 14 initially at front surface 15 and leaves attrailing surface 17. What happens between as fluid 2 passes over surface14 of object 12 is unique to the present invention. As fluid 2 initiallycontacts front surface 15, it begins its flow across surface 14, whereinvarious fluid dynamic forces act upon fluid 2, thus inducing a state ofimbalance within fluid 2. This imbalance induces an adverse pressuregradient that, if left unregulated, will cause fluid 2 to detach fromsurface 14 and become very turbulent. As such, a fluid flow regulator 10is precisely positioned at an optimal pressure recovery point 34.Optimal pressure recovery point 34 is defined herein as a location aboutsurface 14 at which attached fluid comprises a pressure differentialthat generates an adverse pressure gradient acting to induce fluidseparation.

As such, optimal pressure recovery points 34 are pre-determined anddefined for each object and for each intended operating condition.Moreover, a fluid flow regulator 10 is never randomly positioned, butinstead strategically placed at an optimal pressure recovery point.Thus, first fluid flow regulator 10-a of FIG. 2-C in the direction offluid flow is correctly positioned at optimal pressure recovery point34-a as this location will provide the ability to regulate the pressuregradient in fluid 2 as needed.

To regulate the inherent pressure gradient, first fluid flow regulator10-a performs a pressure recovery function. As fluid 2 contacts frontsurface 15 and travels about surface 14 it encounters fluid flowregulator 10-a comprising a pressure recovery drop 26-a and drop face30-a. As fluid passes over pressure recovery drop 26-a it encounterssub-atmospheric barrier 38-a. Because this is a low-pressure barrier,fluid 2 literally drops off of pressure recovery drop 26 and contactssurface 14 as indicated by the arrows. The fluid then briefly detachesfrom surface 14 (indicated by the upward arrows) and then subsequentlyreattaches almost instantaneously, wherein fluid 2 is re-energized. This“touch and go” phenomenon functions to recover pressure at the optimalpressure recovery point 34-a, wherein the pressure gradient is reducedand the pressure differential cured. All of this effectually allowsfluid 2 to continue in an attached state, as well as in a returned stateof equilibrium. The drop in pressure is made instant so that the adversedynamic forces acting on fluid 2 may be overcome and eliminated.

It is recognized that fluid 2 may still comprise somewhat of a pressuredifferential downstream from fluid flow regulator 10-a. In addition, itis recognized that fluid flow conditions within an internal flow devicemay change or vary. Therefore, object 12, and particularly surface 14,may comprise or feature several optimal pressure recovery points 34requiring a plurality of fluid flow regulators. In this case, it becomesnecessary to determine the location of subsequent optimal pressurerecovery point(s) 34, shown as pressure recovery point 34-b. Thelocation of second optimal pressure recovery point 34-b downstream fromprimary or first optimal pressure recovery point 34-a is alsopre-determined and comprises a calculated location determined preferablyas follows. As discussed above, once fluid 2 passes over primary optimalpressure recovery point 34-a it briefly separates, then reattaches in are-energized state. However, if pressure gradients remain in fluid 2these must be equalized or the flow of fluid 2 within internal flowdevice is not truly optimal or optimized. As such, second fluid flowregulator 10-b is placed at optimal pressure recovery point 34-b. Thelocation of second pressure recovery point 34-b is located at a locationat least past the point at which fluid 2 re-attaches after encounteringand passing over fluid flow regulator 10-a and pressure recovery drop26-a. If second fluid flow regulator 10-b is placed at a location onsurface 14 encountered by fluid 2 prior to it reattaching to surface 14,then the disruption in fluid 2 is only exacerbated and the fluid will besignificantly less than optimal. This is because as fluid 2 drops overfirst or primary pressure recovery drop 26-a and detaches from surface14, it suddenly expends its energy stored within the molecules making upfluid 2. This energy is retrieved as fluid 2 reattaches to surface 14.If second fluid flow regulator 10-b is placed at a location where thefluid is in this detached state, the second drop in pressure wouldinduce a significant adverse pressure gradient that would cause thefluid to eddy and become extremely turbulent. As such, second fluid flowregulator 10 should be placed at a location, such that at the time fluid2 encounters second fluid flow regulator 10-b it is reattached andre-energized. At such an optimal location, fluid 2 may then pass oversecond fluid flow regulator 10-b with the same results as discussedabove as it passed over first fluid flow regulator 10-a. This continuous“touch and go” phenomenon may be repeated as often as necessary untilfluid 2 is in its maximized optimal state of attached flow. By providingmultiple fluid flow regulators, the flow of fluid 2 may be said to be“pulsed,” or rather object 12 comprises pulsed fluid flow about itssurface(s) caused by the sudden and multiple pressure recovery drops.

The present invention functions to improve fluid flow over a surface ofan object and to eliminate the problems of prior art aerodynamicsurfaces intended to encounter fluid flow. Although not all properties,functions, characteristics, parameters, relationships, and effects areentirely understood, the present invention seeks to set forth a uniqueway of influencing the behavior of fluid over a surface. In the presentinvention, as fluid 2 flows over at least a portion of surface 14 it isdisrupted from its current existing and substantially equalized state.Most likely, due to several factors, the fluid will become moreturbulent as the molecules of the fluid interact with and pass over themolecules of surface 14. An increase of turbulence typically means anincrease of pressure drag leading to a decrease in velocity of thefluid, as well as an increase in the density and viscosity of the fluid.However, the present invention is designed to reduce this disruption,and thus the turbulence, of the fluid by reducing the overall pressuredrag and friction drag. Reducing each of these will significantlyincrease the pressure recovery potential of the surface, which will, inturn, increase the attachment potential of the fluid (or decrease thepotential for separation of the fluid). Increasing the attachmentpotential functions to create a much more laminar and efficient flow offluid 2 over surface 14.

To accomplish the functions just described, object 12, and particularlysurface 14 has formed therein at least one, and preferably a pluralityof, fluid flow regulators 10. Thus, as fluid 2 flows across surface 14,it encounters fluid flow regulators 10, and particularly pressurerecovery drop 26. At this precise point or location, which is shown asoptimal pressure recovery point 34, there is a significant and immediateor sudden reduction in pressure or drop in pressure caused or induced byfluid flow regulator 10, and particularly pressure recovery drop 26,such that fluid 2 essentially drops over or falls off of pressurerecovery drop 26, which results in a significant reduction in pressuredrag. This sudden drop in pressure creates a sub-atmospheric barrier orshield 38 directly at the base of pressure recovery drop 26.Sub-atmospheric barrier 38 is a low-pressure area that essentiallycreates a barrier or cushion between surface 14 and fluid 2. Thisbarrier is created and exists directly adjacent drop face 30 where it isthe strongest. The farther away from pressure recovery drop 26 alongsurface 14, barrier 38 decreases as is illustrated by the tapering offof barrier 38 as the distance from pressure recovery drop 26 increases.Essentially what is happening is that the sudden drop in pressure thatoccurs at pressure recovery drop 26 is the greatest, thus creating thestrongest barrier. As the distance away from pressure recovery drop 26increases in the direction of fluid flow, the pressure on surface 14begins to increase and sub-atmospheric barrier 38 begins to dissipate ordiminish. At the instance of sudden pressure drop, the pressurecoefficient (a non-dimensional form of the pressure defined as thedifference of the free stream and local static pressures all divided bythe dynamic pressure) at the base of drop face 30 is increased. Asstated, sub-atmospheric barrier 38 is a low or reduced pressure area.It's function or effect is to decrease the molecular activity occurringbetween the molecules at surface 14, the boundary layer, and thoseexisting within the free stream of fluid 2. This reduction in molecularactivity may be described as a reduction in the kinetic energy of themolecules, which kinetic energy increases the tendency of the moleculespresent within fluid 2 to adhere or stick to surface 14, a phenomenoncommonly referred to as skin friction drag, surface viscosity, orfriction drag. These forces are directly related to the surface texture,the molecular movement and interaction at the surface of an object, aswell as the magnitude of turbulence experienced by the fluid across thesurface, and contribute to such phenomenon as vortices, a problem oftenassociated with aircraft flight.

Sub-atmospheric barrier 38 comprises a low-pressure area of fluidmolecules possessing decreased kinetic energy. The decrease in kineticenergy is a result of the sudden drop in pressure induced at or bypressure recovery drop 26. These low energy molecules effectivelyprovide a barrier between the higher or more energetic molecules in thefree stream of fluid and the molecules of the surface. Stated anotherway, sub-atmospheric barrier 38 functions to cushion the more energeticmolecules in the free stream from the molecules in the surface of theobject. What results is a much for laminar flow and an increase inattachment potential, or decrease in separation potential because thefluid is in a greater state of equilibrium.

The present invention fluid flow regulator 10 may also be termed asurface pressure gradient regulator because of its ability to regulateor control or influence pressure gradients along the surface of anobject, as well as pressure drag and pressure recovery across surface14. It is a well know fact that a fluid will follow the path of leastresistance. The pressure gradient regulator allows us to regulate thepressure fields at the boundary layer of any said surface. Thismanipulation of pressures will allow us to manipulate the flow field ofa fluid in motion around an object. The ability to regulate pressuredrag stems from the sudden pressure drop at the optimal pressurerecovery point 34, which pressure drop induces or creates asub-atmospheric barrier 38 that functions to improve the flow of a fluidacross surface 14 of object 12. Specifically, the present inventionsub-atmospheric barrier 38 improves fluid flow by reducing pressure andfriction drag and turbulence. This is accomplished by creating a cushionof low pressure that reduces the degree and intensity of moleculecollisions occurring at the boundary layer that leads to separation ofthe fluid from surface 14. Thus, as a fluid 2 passes over each of thesmall, strategically placed, fluid flow regulators 10, there will beexperienced a significant and sudden drop in pressure of fluid 2,resulting in an increase in the pressure coefficient. Naturally, as thepressure drops at pressure recovery drop 26, there is experienced anincrease in the velocity of fluid 2, wherein this increase in velocitynaturally results in a decrease in the density of fluid 2. This decreasein density at the boundary layer, functions to reduce the number ofmolecules capable of colliding with the molecules existing within thefree stream of fluid 2 at the boundary layer. Subsequently, thisreduction in experienced molecule collisions at the boundary layerreduces separation of fluid 2 and improves the overall efficiency of theflow of fluid 2, thus decreasing drag and turbulence, and ultimatelycreating a much more efficient aerodynamic surface.

FIG. 2-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an object 12 havinga surface 14 and one or more fluid flow regulators 10 therein, whereinsaid fluid flow regulator 10 comprises a pressure recovery drop 26having a plurality of drop faces therein, shown as drop faces 30-a and30-b. In this embodiment, fluid flow regulator 10 induces multiplepressure drops creating sub-atmospheric barriers 38-a and 38-b, whicheach function to optimize fluid flow. Specifically, as fluid 2encounters pressure recovery drop 26, it becomes subject to drop face30-a and a sudden pressure drop is induced, thus generatingsub-atmospheric barrier 38-a. Immediately following drop face 30-a isdrop face 30-b. Thus, fluid 2 immediately encounters drop face 30-b andinduces a second sudden or immediate pressure drop, thus generatingsecond sub-atmospheric barrier 38-b. The advantage of building in aplurality of drop faces 30 into pressure recovery drop 26 is that fluid2 is influenced to an even greater degree, with all of the effectsdiscussed herein magnified.

Fluid flow regulator 10 and it associated method provides the ability toachieve the greatest state or equalization and/or harmony between themolecules in fluid 2 and surface 14 of object 12 over which fluid 2passes. Equalization or harmony between fluid and surface molecules isincreased significantly as fluid 2 and the molecules directly adjacentsurface 14 (those in the boundary layer) interact less violently as aresult of sub-atmospheric barrier or shield 38 created by fluid flowregulator 10.

With reference to FIGS. 3-A, 3-B, and 3-C, shown is the relationship offluid flow 2 over surface 14 of object 12 to pressure. When an objectexperiences fluid flow across one or more of its surfaces, the objectbecomes subject to, among other things, pressure drag and friction drag.Each of these decrease the efficiency of fluid flow, as well as causethe fluid to flow more turbulently than laminar. Indeed, the lesspressure drag and friction drag that is induced across the surface themore laminar the flow across that surface will be. Just the opposite isalso true. The greater the pressure drag and friction drag inducedacross the surface, the more turbulent the flow across the surface willbe.

As can be seen from FIG. 3-A, a smooth or semi-smooth surface 14 ispresented and introduced to fluid flow 2. Upon initial contact of fluid2 with a front portion 16 of object 12, a significant amount of pressuredrag is induced on front portion 16, illustrated as pressure drag 42. Asthe fluid progressively passes over surface 14, fluid 2, or rather themolecules within fluid 2, react with the molecules of surface 14,wherein a significant amount of surface friction is induced, known andillustrated as friction drag 46. The further along surface 14 fluid 2travels, the greater the disturbance in flow that is caused by thisfriction drag. This has the effect of increasing the pressure alongsurface 14. In other words, there is an upward pressure distributionalong surface 14 caused by the friction created between the molecules influid 2 and the molecules in surface 14. In addition, as fluid 2progresses across surface 14, the fluid begins to detach from surface14. This detachment of fluid 2 from surface 14 is commonly referred toas separation. Friction leads to separation and separation leads to anincrease in turbulence of fluid flow. Thus, FIG. 3-A illustrates anunmodified surface 14, wherein it can be seen that a significant amountof initial pressure drag 42, friction drag 46, and final pressure drag54 exists, each of which will cause fluid 2 to separate and exhibit agreater amount of turbulence across surface 14.

FIG. 3-B illustrates the same object 12 shown in FIG. 3-A, only FIG. 3-Billustrates object 12 as having a fluid flow regulator 10 incorporatedtherein. As can be seen, fluid flow regulator 10, and particularlypressure recovery drop 26, is placed at the precise point at whichseparation of fluid 2 begins. This location is described herein asoptimal pressure recovery point 34 and represents the point at whichpressure is recovered via fluid flow regulator 10. Drop face 30comprises a height capable of inducing pressure recovery at optimalpressure recovery point 34. As can be seen from FIG. 3-B, fluid beginsto separate from surface 14 as it progresses along surface 14. Thisseparation is illustrated by the arrows extending up from surface 14 atoptimal pressure recovery point 34. It is at this point that fluid flowregulator is placed and the point at which pressure recovery drop 26induces a sudden pressure drop, thus functioning as a pressure recoverymechanism. By incorporating a fluid flow regulator 10 into object 12,and particularly surface 14, several effects result, including thelowering or reducing of pressure drag 42 located at the front 16 ofobject 12, friction drag 46 located along surface 14, and pressure drag50 located at the end of object 12. Each of these is illustrated in FIG.3-C where it is shown that pressure drag 42, friction drag 46, andpressure drag 50 are all significantly reduced, thus signaling powerfulpressure recovery capabilities of fluid flow regulator 10. Moreover, itcan be seen that pressure drag 42 and pressure drag 50 are more equalthan the same pressure drags found on object 12 of FIG. 3-A.Equalization of these two opposing pressure drags is a direct result ofthe pressure recovery that takes place at the location of fluid flowregulator 10. From this it can be seen that fluid flow regulator 10significantly influences the behavior of the fluid over surface 14. Thiseffect may lead to significant design changes in both form and functionof fluid-exposed surfaces and objects.

Depending upon the length of the surface or any other designconsiderations, it may be necessary to employ multiple fluid flowregulators. For example, if a surface is long and fluid flow over thatsurface is required to travel a substantial distance the fluid may onceagain begin to separate from the surface after passing the first fluidflow regulator. As such, this subsequent point of separation may beconsidered a second optimal pressure recovery point and may necessitatethe addition of a second fluid flow regulator. In essence, multiplefluid flow regulators may be utilized to carry out the intended functionof recovering pressure and increasing the laminar flow of the fluid overthe entire surface and the present invention contemplates these.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment comprising object 12 having first fluidflow regulator 10 and second fluid flow regulator 110 integrally formedwithin its surface 14. First and second fluid flow regulators 10 and 110function similarly, only second fluid flow regulator 110 is located at asecond optimal pressure recovery point 134 and comprises leading edge118 leading into pressure recovery drop 126, and trailing edge 122extending away from pressure recovery drop 126. Second optimal pressurerecovery point 134 exists at the point at which fluid 2 begins toseparate once again from surface 14 following its passing over firstfluid flow regulator 10. Thus, once fluid 2 begins to separate again, itencounters second fluid flow regulator 110, which induces a suddenpressure drop at pressure recovery drop 126, which in turn createssecond sub-atmospheric barrier 138 over which fluid 2 passes in anincreased laminar state. As such, multiple fluid flow regulatorsfunction to maintain the laminar flow characteristics of fluid 2 overthe entire length of surface 14. As stated, a plurality of fluid flowregulators may be utilized as necessary.

In one exemplary embodiment, fluid flow regulator 10 is integrallyformed with and part of surface 14. As such, leading edge 18, pressurerecovery drop 26, and trailing edge 22 are integrally formed with andpart of surface 14. This arrangement represents the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Moreover, fluid flow regulator 10 preferablyspans the length or width of surface 14, but may also be designed toextend only a limited distance across surface 14.

In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, fluid flowregulator 10 may comprise a separate fluid control device 60 thatremovably attaches to an existing surface 14. Fluid control device 60comprises one or more fluid flow regulators 10 that function asdescribed herein. FIG. 5 illustrates fluid control device 60 ascomprising an transition extension 64 that, when attached to surface 14,provides a smooth transition for fluid 2 as it travels across surface 14onto fluid control device 60. Transition extension 64 comprises agradual slope that extends up to and connects to leading edge 18.Leading edge 18 then transitions into pressure recovery drop 26 asdiscussed above. Fluid control device 60 further comprises a trailingedge 22 that transitions with another transition extension 70 that onceagain slopes downward toward surface 14 to provide a smooth transitionfor fluid 2 from fluid control device 60 to surface 14. Of course, it atransition from surface 14 to fluid control device 60 is unnecessary,fluid control device can be made to cover surface 14 completely so thatfluid control device 60 becomes the surface of object 12. Either way,fluid control device 60 attaches to an existing surface 14 andessentially functions as a quasi surface over which fluid 2 flows. Fluidcontrol device 60 may be attached to surface 14 using various attachmentmeans, including adhesives, screws, snaps, hook and loop fastener, etc.Fluid control device 60 may also attach to surface 14 using some type ofconnection or joint, such as a slot or groove arrangement.

In addition to the contemplation of multiple fluid flow regulators, thepresent invention further contemplates differing heights between one ormore fluid flow regulators along the same surface. Again referring toFIG. 4, second pressure recovery drop 126 may have a drop face 130 thatcomprises a different height than first pressure recovery drop 26 andassociated drop face 30. As indicated above, the pressure gradientsexisting along a surface are different in degree or magnitudes. Thedegrees or magnitudes of these pressure gradients are also not static,but vary and fluctuate through a range during the time the fluid isflowing over the surface of the object, according to and because ofseveral known factors. To account for these varying and changing orfluctuating pressure gradients, the height of each drop face on eachpressure recovery drop can be designed to effectively recovery the mostpressure. The height of each drop face will largely be dependent uponthe amount of pressure recovery needed at a particular pressure gradientto achieve optimal fluid flow over the surface at that particularlocation and instance. In one embodiment, subsequent pressure recoverydrops will most likely comprise shorter drop faces than their precedingcounterparts as much of the pressure recovery in the fluid will berecovered by the initial pressure recovery drop. Therefore, a lessdrastic reduction in pressure or less pressure recovery will be requiredat subsequent pressure recovery drops to continue or maintain theoptimal fluid flow. Alternatively, the pressure gradient across thesurface will be controlled by successive fluid flow regulators havingdifferent heights so that pressure, and therefore separation, is kept toa minimum, or within acceptable or desired levels.

The present invention also contemplates that one or more fluid flowregulator(s) may comprise different orientation arrangements along asingle surface of an object, or that a fluid flow regulator may bearranged at any angle to fluid flow, although perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular is preferred, depending largely upon thedirection of fluid flow, the shape of the object, the function of theobject, the type of fluid, and any others recognized by one of ordinaryskill in the art. Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is object 12 comprisinga surface 14, wherein surface 14 comprises a plurality of fluid flowregulators 10 thereon, shown as fluid flow regulators 10-a, 10-b, 10-c,and 10-d, each comprising a leading edge 18, a trailing edge 22, apressure recovery drop 26, and a drop face 30. As can be seen, one ormore fluid flow regulators 10 may be placed on a single surface 14, asdesired. In addition, fluid flow regulators 10 may comprise any size,length, shape, curvature, etc. Still further, fluid flow regulators 10may comprise different drop face heights. Moreover, fluid flowregulators 10 may be arranged or oriented as required or desired toinduce and maintain optimal fluid flow across surface 14. Typicalorientations include fluid flow regulators that are perpendicular tofluid flow, that are on acute angles to fluid flow, that comprise one ormore curved segments, etc. The foregoing is evident by fluid flowregulator 10-a comprising a linear design, yet is on an acute angle withrespect to the direction of flow of fluid 2. Fluid flow regulator 10-bcomprises a linear segment that transitions into a curved segment. Fluidflow regulator 10-c comprises a limited length that further comprises ablended end 76 that gradually blends into surface 14. Fluid flowregulator 10-d comprises a linear design similar to fluid flow regulator10-a, but further comprises shorter or lower profile drop face 30. FIG.6 illustrates several possible configurations, namely sizes, shapes, andorientations, that fluid flow regulators may comprise over a singlesurface. However, these are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed,engineering design parameters, environmental conditions, and otherfactors will lead one ordinarily skilled in the fluid dynamics art toconclude or recognize other potential configurations. The presentinvention, although impossible to recite, contemplates each of these andeach is intended to fall within the scope of the description and claimspresented herein.

Fluid flow regulators may be integrally formed within the surface of anobject, or attached via a removable attachment device, as discussedabove. Essentially, no matter how fluid flow regulators are related toor incorporated into the surface of an object, either integrally formed,part of a removable device, cut-out of the surface, etc., the term“featured” as used herein and in the claims is meant to cover each ofthese.

In another embodiment, fluid flow regulators may comprise a mechanism orsystem comprising individually operating, yet interrelated componentparts that function to provide or create one or more fluid flowregulators in a surface, wherein the fluid flow regulators aredynamically adjusted or adjustable. Because an object in fluid flowexperiences a number of different and changing or varying influencingforces or environmental conditions that result in varying surface andfluid flow characteristics, such as pressure gradients along or acrossits surface, it follows that an adjusting or adjustable fluid flowregulator would be advantageous to maintain optimal fluid flow duringthe entire time the object is experiencing fluid flow over its surfaceand to account for these varying or changing conditions, thus allowingthe fluid to achieve its greatest flow potential across the surface ofthe object. Thus, the present invention features a dynamic or adjustablefluid flow regulator capable of altering its physical characteristics,location, and/or existence altogether, as well as compensating forvarying fluid flow conditions. Any of the component parts of the fluidflow regulator may be designed to move or adjust to vary the height ofdrop face and pressure recovery drop, such as designing the leadingedge, the pressure recovery drop, and/or the trailing edge to comprisethe ability to adjust to vary the height of pressure recovery drop. Inaddition, the surface or object may comprise one or more elements orcomponents that are utilized in conjunction with the fluid flowregulator to vary the height of the drop face. In essence, the presentinvention contemplates any device, system, etc. that is capable ofadjusting the pressure recovery drop on demand an in response to varyingsituations or conditions. The dynamic fluid flow regulator may bemechanically actuated, or designed to oscillate in response to changingconditions.

In addition, the present invention contemplates the ability for dynamicfluid flow regulator to the vary pressure recovery drop, andparticularly the height of the drop face therein, either consistentlyalong the length of the pressure recovery drop, wherein the drop facewould comprise the same height along its entire length, orinconsistently along the length of the pressure recovery drop, whereinthe drop face would comprise different heights along the its length.This would account for velocity and pressure differentials across thesurface of the object at the location of the fluid flow regulator.

With reference to FIG. 7-A, shown is one exemplary embodiment of adynamic fluid flow regulator. Specifically, object 12 is showncomprising a surface 14 having a recess 80-a and a recess 80-b, eachcreated in surface 14. Recess 80-a comprises a cut-away portion ofobject 12, such that pressure recovery drop 26, and particularly dropface 30 is created therein. Recess 80 specifically comprises ahorizontal surface 14-a that is integrally formed with and part ofsurface 14 of object 12, and a vertical surface 30-a which functions aspressure recovery drop 26 and drop face 30. Recess 80-b comprises acut-away portion of object 12, such that pressure recovery drop 26, andparticularly drop face 30 is created therein. Recess 80 specificallycomprises a horizontal surface 14-b that is integrally formed with andpart of surface 14 of object 12, and a vertical surface 30-b thatfunctions as pressure recovery drop 26 and drop face 30. To createdynamic fluid flow regulator 10, rotatably attached to object 12 at adistal location from drop face 30, using one or more attachment means,is an adjustable plane 82. Adjustable plane 82 comprises a surface thatclosely fits and interacts with pressure recovery drop 26, and thatadjusts on demand to vary the height of drop face 30. Thus, variationsin pressure drag, friction drag, velocity, fluid viscosity and otherfactors or conditions that occur and develop as fluid 2 flows overobject 12 can be monitored and compensated for simply by actuatingadjustable plane 82, which subsequently alters the height of drop face30 and pressure recovery drop 26, as needed. Monitoring devices commonin the industry may be used to monitor the conditions andcharacteristics of both the fluid flow and the object.

Dynamic fluid flow regulator 10, and particularly adjustable plane 82,may also be designed to comprise transverse movement that allowsadjustable plane 82 to move bi-directionally in a horizontal manner topreserve a tight relationship between end 86 and drop face 30 and toensure drop face 30 is perpendicular to surface 14. In addition, end 86preferably seals tightly against drop face 30 at all times and at allvertical positions.

Moreover, the present invention fluid flow regulator(s) may be designedso that the position or location of the fluid flow regulators altogethermay be selectively altered. This embodiment is contemplated because theoptimal pressure recovery point(s) along a surface may not always be inthe same location. For example, faster fluid velocities, differentaltitudes, varying pressures, and other forces, may cause optimalpressure recovery points to vary along the surface. As such, the dynamicfluid flow regulators may be designed to comprise the ability to undergoselective vector movement, meaning that they may be moved orrepositioned in any direction along the surface to once again be inalignment with an optimal pressure recovery point.

In operation, dynamic fluid flow regulator 10 functions to regulatevarying pressure gradients across surface 14 by continuously alteringthe potential pressure recovery at one or more optimal pressure recoverypoints 34. Continuously altering the potential pressure recoveryinvolves monitoring the pressure gradients acting upon the surface todetermine whether these pressure gradients are strong enough to induceseparation of the fluid from the boundary layer created along surface 14from the flow of fluid. Monitoring devices and/or systems commonly knownin the art for monitoring pressure and friction drag and fluidseparation would be able to indicate whether there was a need foractuation of dynamic fluid flow regulator 10 to recover pressure andmaintain the attachment of the fluid in a laminar, optimal flow at thatpoint or location on surface 14. As fluid flows over surface 14, dynamicfluid flow regulators 10 would be placed at those locations most likelyto experience separation. However, often pressure gradients along asurface exhibit significant pressure differentials. Utilizing dynamicfluid flow regulator provides the means for compensating for thesedifferentials. For instance, in a controlled environment, if a fluid isflowing over a surface at a constant rate, the flow is easily predictedand the determination of the number, placement, and design of fluid flowregulators is simple. However, as conditions change, either with respectto the fluid or the object, it may become necessary to modify or changethe design, placement, or number of fluid flow regulators to compensatefor the change and maintain separation and optimal fluid flow. This iseven more true in an uncontrolled, natural environment. As such, dynamicfluid flow regulators serve such a purpose. For a set of givenconditions, adjusting plane 82 may be set so that pressure recovery drop26 comprises a pre-identified drop face height. This height is calculateto provide the necessary amount of pressure recovery at that point toprevent separation and maintain laminar fluid flow. As conditionschange, adjusting plane 82 may be adjusted up or down as indicated bythe arrows to increase or decrease the height of drop face 30. Adjustingplane 82 is adjusted by rotating attachment means 84 connectingadjusting plane 82 to object 12. Thus, if the pressure drag and frictiondrag at that point increase, separation may result if pressure recoverydrop 26 is fixed at its original position. To overcome separation andmaintain optimal fluid flow, adjusting plane 82 is actuated to lower,and therefore, increase the distance or height of drop face 30, whichhas the effect of creating a greater drop in pressure leading toincreased pressure recovery. The degree adjusting plane 82 is adjustedis a calculated determination to be made considering all known andrelevant factors.

Adjusting plane 82 may also move horizontally back and forth as needed.Horizontal movement may be necessary to keep the travel of end 86 aslinear as possible, and as close to drop face 30 as possible, especiallyif the distance adjusting plane 82 is required to travel is substantial.If adjusting plane 82 was not allowed to move horizontally, end 86 wouldtravel along an arc and would separate from drop face 30 at some point,thus frustrating the intended function and effects of fluid flowregulator 10.

FIG. 7-B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a dynamic fluidflow regulator. In this embodiment, dynamic fluid flow regulator 10 alsocomprises an adjusting plane 90. However, in this embodiment, adjustingplane 90 moves vertically up and down as needed to adjust pressurerecovery drop 26 and drop face 30. Adjusting plane 90 is caused to moveup and down by actuating one or more lifts 98. Although the mechanismillustrated in FIG. 7-B is different than that shown in FIG. 7-A, thefunction and effect is the same. Essentially, pressure recovery drop 26and drop face 30 is allowed to increase or decrease in response tochanging or varying fluid flow conditions for the purpose of inducingthe proper amount of pressure recovery along surface 14 to ensureoptimal fluid flow.

Although not illustrated, the present invention further features a fluidflow regulator that may be adjustably or selectively positioned alongsurface 14. Often during fluid flow, due to many contributing factors,the point along surface 14 at which separation begins will vary inlocation. As such, it becomes necessary to be able to identify each ofthese optimal pressure recovery points 34 and to place a fluid flowregulator at that point. Allowing fluid flow regulators to beselectively positioned along surface 14 greatly increases the potentialfor proper and optimal pressure recovery and for reducing flowseparation.

It should be noted that the present invention contemplates any type ofsystem, device, etc. that is capable of adjusting or modifying thedesign characteristics of fluid flow regulators to regulate the pressuregradients across a surface. Although in the preferred embodimentsrecited herein these modifications are facilitated by providing one ormore dynamic fluid flow separators, these embodiments are only exemplaryand not intended to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one ordinarilyskilled in the art will recognize other designs that carry out theintended function of the present invention.

The present invention fluid flow regulators, and the surfaces on whichthese are utilized, offer many significant advantages over prior artsurfaces and fluid flow regulating devices or systems. Although severaladvantages are specifically recited and set forth herein, fluid dynamicsis an extremely broad field with many properties still largelymisunderstood or unknown, thus making it impossible to identify,describe, and feature all of the possible effects and advantages of thepresent invention. As such, the intention of the present application isto provide an initial starting point for many extensive and ongoingexperiments and studies by all interested. As such, the presentinvention provides several significant advantages.

First, the fluid flow regulators provide the ability to induce pressuredrops on demand. These pressure drops allow the fluid flow regulators toregulate pressure gradients about the surfaces of the objects or bodieson which they are applied. This is significant because the ability toregulate pressure gradients provides the ability to influence, control,and optimize fluid flow about the surface and to reduce the separationand/or separation potential of the fluid. Moreover, the ability toregulate pressure gradients is provided on an as needed basis, meaningthat the magnitude of pressure recovery induced can be controlled byvarying the physical location and characteristics of the fluid flowregulators.

Second, the fluid flow regulators provide increased and less volatilemolecule interaction between the molecules in the fluid and themolecules in the surface. This is largely accomplished by the generationof a sub-atmospheric barrier of low pressure that acts as a cushionbetween each of these molecules. As such, the boundary layer between thesurface and the most adjacent or proximate fluid flow stream ispreserved even in stressful or high pressure drag situations.

Third, flow separation is essentially eliminated across the surface ofany surface. At each precise point along a surface where flow begins toseparate, a fluid flow regulator is placed, thus functioning to induce asudden pressure drop at that point. This sudden drop in pressureperforms the necessary influence on pressure drag and friction drag toeffectuate the most appropriate pressure recovery that forces the fluidto remain attached to the surface, and to maintain an optimal flowpattern.

Fourth, fluid flow regulators provide the ability to significantlyinfluence pressure drag by reducing pressure drag at various locationsalong the surface. Reducing the pressure drag in turn increases pressurerecovery, which subsequently lowers the friction drag along the surface.By reducing or lowering friction drag, the potential for fluidseparation is decreased, or in other words, attachment potential of thefluid is significantly increased.

Fifth, pressure drag forward and aft a surface is reduced. Moreover,these pressure drags are more likely to be equalized, or these pressuredrags are more likely to achieve a state of equilibrium at a muchquicker rate.

Sixth, dynamic fluid flow regulators provide the ability to compensatefor changing or varying conditions, either environmental, within theflow, or within the object itself, by facilitating the most accurate andstrategic pressure drops possible across the surface.

Seventh, the potential and kinetic energy of molecules is moreefficiently utilized and accounted for.

Eighth, a surface featuring one or more fluid flow regulators functionsto improve the overall efficiency of the object or body or craft onwhich it is being utilized. By influencing the flow to obtain the mostoptimal flow state, the object is required to output less power than asimilar body or object comprising a streamlined surface makeup.

Ninth, fluid flow regulators significantly reduce noise produced byfluid flowing across the surface of the object. Noise is reduced due tothe flow properties being made optimal as compared to streamlinedsurfaces. Noise reduction can be a significant problem in many fieldsand applications, such as in the design and operation of jet engines.

These advantages are not meant to be limiting in any way as oneordinarily skilled in the art will recognize other advantages andbenefits not specifically recited herein.

Fluid flow regulator 10 may be applied to or formed with any type ofsurface or object subject to external fluid flow. This surface may be asubstantially flat surface, such as found on the wing of an airplane, oron various airfoils and hydrofoils, such as a turbine or similar blade,a prop for a boat or water craft, or on various surfaces comprisingbodies, such as the fuselage of an aircraft or rocket, the fairing of anautomobile, and any others. In addition, fluid flow regulators may beapplied to or formed within a cylindrical or other shaped enclosure,such as a nozzle or venturi, to improve internal fluid flow. It isimpossible to recite and describe the numerous possible designs andapplications to which the present invention may be present within orapplied to. As such, it is contemplated that the present invention willbe applicable to any surface subject to fluid flow, whether the objectitself is designed to be in motion or whether it is designed to bestationary.

It should also be recognized that the particular design, number, andorientation of the fluid flow regulators is dependent upon the physicallimitations or constraints of the object, the performancecharacteristics of the object, as well as the intended conditions orenvironment in which the object will operate. Other factors may also beconsidered as will be recognized by one ordinarily skilled in the art.

The present invention further features a method for influencing externalfluid flow over the surface of an object and for influencing the rateand magnitude of pressure recovery along the surface. This methodcomprises the steps of: featuring at least one fluid flow regulator withone or more surfaces of an object, wherein the fluid flow regulatorcomprises a pressure recovery drop having at least one drop face formedtherein, and wherein the drop face comprises a calculated height;subjecting the object to a fluid, such that the fluid is caused to moveabout the object; and causing the fluid to encounter the fluid flowregulator, such that the pressure recovery drop induces a sudden drop inpressure as the fluid flows over the fluid flow regulator, wherein asub-atmospheric barrier is created at the base of the drop face. Assuch, the fluid flow regulator functions to optimize fluid flow aboutthe object, thus increasing the performance of the object in the fluid.

The present invention further features a method for controlling the flowof fluid across an object's surface. The method comprises the steps of:obtaining an object subject to fluid flow, the object having one or morefluid bearing surfaces over which a fluid may flow; featuring one ormore fluid flow regulators as part of the fluid bearing surfaces,wherein the fluid flow regulator optimizes fluid flow and theperformance of the object in the fluid; subjecting the object to thefluid; and causing the fluid to flow about the object so that the fluidencounters the one or more fluid flow regulators.

Moreover, the present invention features a fluid control systemcomprising an object having at least one surface subjected to a fluid,such that the fluid flows about the object; and a fluid flow regulatorfeatured and operable with the surface, wherein the fluid flow regulatorcomprises the elements and functions as described herein.

Although the present invention is applicable to any solid body objecthaving a surface over which fluid passes, the present invention focuseson three primary systems, devices, or applications, namely airfoils,hydrofoils, and several rotating devices, namely, fans, propellers,turbines, rotors, etc. Each of these is discussed individually below.

Airfoils Comprising a Fluid Flow Regulating System and Method

One advantageous application of the present invention fluid flowregulators relates to the design and performance of airfoils. Althoughthis area has received extensive study and analysis, the presentinvention furthers airfoil development and technology by providing afluid flow regulating system and method that drastically improves theperformance of airfoils of any size, shape, or design.

With reference to FIG. 8, illustrated is an isometric view of across-section of one particular design of a airfoil, shown as airfoil200. Airfoil 200 comprises an upper surface 250, a lower surface 254(not shown), a front or forward surface 258, a leading edge 262, atrailing edge 266, an airfoil tip, 268 and an airfoil root 270. Airfoil200 further comprises a first fluid flow regulator 210-a and a secondfluid flow regulator 210-b longitudinally oriented perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to flow of air 202 (indicated by the arrow)along upper surface 250. FIG. 8 also illustrates fluid flow regulator210-c existing and positioned on lower surface 254. Fluid flow regulator210-c is also longitudinally oriented along lower surface 254 and isperpendicular or substantially perpendicular to air 202.

First fluid flow regulator 210-a is positioned upstream or forwardsecond fluid flow regulator 210-b and is the first of the two toencounter air flow 202. Each of these function to influence fluid flowand regulate the pressure gradients existing along upper surface 250.Fluid flow regulator 210-c functions in a similar manner, only for oralong lower surface 254. Fluid flow regulator 210-a comprises theelements discussed above, which are shown herein, namely leading edge218-a, trailing edge 222-a, pressure recovery drop 226-a, drop face230-a, and optimal pressure recovery point 234-a. Fluid flow regulators210-b and 210-c also comprise similar elements, with like elementsmarked with like numbers as indicated (elements 210-b to 234-b for fluidflow regulator 210-b; and elements 210-c to 234-c for fluid flowregulator 234-c).

FIGS. 9-A and 9-B are cross-sectional illustrations of two differentexemplary airfoil structure embodiments comprising or utilizing one ormore fluid flow regulators 210. FIG. 9-A illustrates airfoil 200 ascomprising a plurality of fluid flow regulators, namely fluid flowregulators 210-a, 210-b, 210-c, 210-d, 210-e situated on upper surface250, and fluid flow regulator 210-f situated on lower surface 254. FIG.9-B illustrates airfoil 200 as also comprising a plurality of fluid flowregulators, namely fluid flow regulators 210-a and 210-b situated onupper surface 250, and fluid flow regulator 210-c situated on lowersurface 254, only these are arranged in a different configuration thanthose on airfoil 200 in FIG. 9-A. Fluid flow regulators 210 (illustratedgenerally as 210) are preferably positioned at or as close to the pointof fluid separation as possible. FIGS. 9-A and 9-B simply serve toillustrate that different airfoils or airfoil structures will require adifferent number of fluid flow regulators, or fluid flow regulatorspositioned at different locations about the airfoil. As such, thepresent invention contemplates each of these different configurationsand designs. One ordinarily skilled in the art of fluid dynamics over anairfoil surface will be able to calculate precisely the number,location, and orientation of fluid flow regulators to be utilized in agiven situation.

Referring back to FIG. 8, as air 202 encounters airfoil 200, andparticularly frontal surface 258, it subsequently passes over uppersurface 250 and lower surface 254 in which the stability or equilibriumor otherwise current state of the air is disrupted, or rather themolecules in air 202 are disturbed. In addition, as pointed out above,various aerodynamic forces are generated between air 202 and airfoil200. In effect each of fluid flow regulators 210-a, 210-b, and 210-cfunction to influence these forces for the purpose of optimizing theflow of air 202 over airfoil 200 and for restoring a state orequilibrium to air 202 as quickly as possible as it leaves airfoil 200.

Specifically, as airfoil 200 begins to move through air 2, the airmolecules tend to stick or adhere to upper surface 250 and lower surface254, thus creating either a turbulent or laminar air boundary layer. Inaddition, drag forces are at work, namely pressure drag and frictiondrag. Pressure drag induces a number of pressure gradients about airfoil200, which are factors in analyzing lift. As the airfoil acceleratesthrough air 202 and the velocity of air about airfoil 200 increases, thepressure drag on both upper and lower surfaces 250 and 254 increases, asdoes the magnitude of the pressure gradients. In addition, because airis less dense than other fluids, such as water, or is less viscous, thepotential for fluid separation is increased, especially in light of thehigh velocities encountered by an airfoil during air flight.

Prior art airfoils are typically streamlined, meaning that theirsurfaces are smooth and uniform. This has led experts to be able topredict the response of the airfoil in the air, as well as the behaviorof the air itself. However, several problems exist with streamlineddesigns, evidenced by the several phenomenon that are still largelymisunderstood. By providing an airfoil surface having one or more fluidflow regulators, it is believed that several of the problems encounteredwith streamlined airfoils are reduced, minimized, or even eliminated.

As shown, in FIG. 8, fluid flow regulators 210 are placed at preciseoptimal pressure recovery points 234, which are pre-determined to belocated at the point in which air and air flow separation begins. Thelocation of these points are calculated based upon airfoil structure,intended use of the aircraft, speed of flight, and others known to thoseskilled in the art. The precise location of these points is notspecifically recited herein as several factors go into determiningthese, and as they will be different from airfoil to airfoil and fromaircraft to aircraft. In addition, these points may vary for a singleairfoil structure during the course of flight.

Unlike prior art streamlined airfoils, the present invention fluid flowregulators function to regulate, or are capable of regulating, thepressure gradients induced about airfoil 200 by facilitating pressurerecovery precisely at these optimal pressure recovery points 230.Indeed, pressure recovery is increased as air 202 moves over orencounters fluid flow regulator 210. Specifically, as air 202 encountersfluid flow regulator 210-a positioned at first optimal pressure recoverypoint 234-a, there is a sudden and significant drop in pressure as theair 202 suddenly and instantly encounters a drop in surface 250 and 254.As such, air 202 literally falls off of pressure recovery drop 226-a,and particularly drop face 230-a. This sudden drop in pressure and thecontinued flow of air 202 causes a sub-atmospheric barrier or shield238-a to be generated, which is essentially a low pressure air cushionthat acts as a barrier between the molecules in the boundary layer offluid 2 and surface 250 or 254.

Fluid flow regulator 210-a further functions to reduce pressure drag asa result of the sudden pressure drop induced at pressure recovery drop226-a. By reducing pressure drag, pressure recovery is increased. FIG.10-A illustrates a prior art streamlined airfoil 280, and FIG. 10-Billustrates an airfoil 200, each at positive lift. Airfoil 200 in FIG.10-B comprises a plurality of fluid flow regulators 210 incorporatedtherein. As can be seen, the pressure drag on upper surface 284, lowersurface 288, frontal surface 292, and tail end 296 of airfoil 280illustrated in FIG. 10-A is much greater than the pressure drag on thesimilar elements of airfoil 200 of FIG. 10-B. In addition, withreference to FIG. 10-A, pressure drag 300 on airfoil 280 located atfrontal surface 292 comprises a much greater magnitude than pressuredrag 308 at tail end 296. This shows the imbalanced state of the airflowfrom the front of airfoil 280 to the rear of airfoil 280, whichimbalance induces turbulent airfoil tip vortices as air 202 leaves thesurface. Conversely, with reference to FIG. 10-B, pressure drag 316 onairfoil 200 located at frontal surface 258 comprises a similar magnitudeas pressure drag 324 at tail end 266. This shows that fluid flowregulators 210 help to equalize the air flow 202 from the front ofairfoil 200 to the rear of airfoil 200, which greater state ofequilibrium significantly reduces the potential for and the magnitude ofairfoil tip vortices.

The reduction in pressure drag discussed above, is a direct result ofthe sudden, induced pressure drop and sub-atmospheric barrier created ateach pressure recovery drop of each fluid flow regulator 210, and leadsto an increase in pressure recovery along the surface. An increase inpressure recovery means that the fluid about the airfoil structure iscloser to a state of equilibrium.

Referring again back to FIG. 8, an increase in pressure recovery has theeffect of increasing the equilibrium potential of the air flow, whichtherefore reduces the friction drag about airfoil 200. This is truebecause air molecules do not adhere or stick to other air molecules aseasily as they stick to the surface molecules of airfoil 200. Instead,the air molecules essentially glide or slide over sub-atmosphericbarrier 238-a with almost no disruption or turbulence, much the same waythey did when equalized just prior to their encounter with airfoil 200.Moreover, since there is little pressure drag and little friction drag,two primary contributors of laminar separation, air flow separation(both laminar and turbulent) becomes much less of a problem than withstreamlined airfoil structures. As such, traditional thinking thatstreamlined is better is likely to be frustrated.

By reducing friction drag and subsequently increasing the attachmentpotential of the air boundary layer, the air flow about airfoil 200 isremarkably less turbulent, more laminar, less prone to undesirablepressure gradients, and, among others, is more easily influenced,manipulated, and predicted. Each of these function to allow airfoil 200to be much more efficient in flight and to comprise more efficient anduseful designs than streamlined airfoils. As such, it can be said thatair flow about an airfoil is optimized, or that an airfoil structure'sperformance can be significantly enhanced. Moreover, since air flowabout airfoil 200 is optimized, there will be less disruption in air 202as it leaves airfoil 200, which will significantly decrease airfoil tipvortices. This effect of reducing airfoil tip vortices is discussedbelow.

As air 202 leaves first fluid flow regulator 210-a it comprises animproved laminar and all around optimal state. However, depending uponthe length of airfoil 200 and the distance air 202 has to travel priorto leaving airfoil 200 altogether, the various aerodynamic forces atwork and influenced by first fluid flow regulator 210-a may again comeinto play, thus again disrupting fluid 202 and frustrating its optimalflow. As such, airfoil 200 comprises a second fluid flow regulator210-b, positioned at second optimal pressure recovery point 234-b, thatfunctions similarly to first fluid flow regulator 210-a. However, secondfluid flow regulator 210-b may comprise a different designconfiguration, such as a shorter drop face height, depending upon theproperties and characteristics of the fluid at the time it reachesoptimal pressure recovery point 234-b.

Fluid flow regulator 210-c is positioned along lower or bottom surface254 and functions to regulate pressure gradients along surface 254 in asimilar manner as fluid flow regulators 210-a and 210-b on upper surface250. Each of the fluid flow regulators on upper surface 250 are directlyrelated to the fluid flow regulators on lower surface 254, such thatwhen designing airfoil 200, each will be a significant factor in thedesign of the other. This becomes evident when one considers the factthat pressure gradients are generated on each of upper and lowersurfaces 250 and 254, and that these pressure gradients control ordictate the lift characteristics of airfoil 200. Thus, it can be saidthat regulating these pressure gradients via one or more fluid flowregulators as taught herein also functions to influence and regulatelift.

Lift is a commonly referred to principle of aerodynamics and essentiallyis a force acting perpendicular to the direction of flight. Lift isequal to the fluid density multiplied by the circulation about theairfoil and the free stream velocity. Lift can also be described as theupward force created by the airflow as it passes over the airfoils. Thisforce is the key aerodynamic force, and is opposite the weight force.For example, in straight-and-level, un-accelerated flight, an aircraftis in a state of equilibrium. The lifting force is equal to the weightof the aircraft, therefore the aircraft does not climb or dive. If thelifting force were greater than the weight, then the aircraft wouldclimb. If the aircraft were to loose some of its lift, it would continueto climb unless the weight of the aircraft was more than the liftingforce. In this instance, the aircraft would begin to descend back toearth. Lift is generated according to the Bernoulli Principle, whichdescribes the existing principle of pressure differential that isoccurring across the airfoil structure. Simply stated, as the velocityof a fluid increases, its internal pressure decreases. A fluid flow thatis traveling faster will have a smaller pressure, according toBernoulli. Airplane airfoils are shaped to take advantage of thisprinciple. The designed curvature on top of the airfoil causes theairflow on top of the airfoil to accelerate. This acceleration leads toa higher velocity air on top of the airfoil than on bottom, hence alower pressure area on top of the airfoil than on bottom. The resultingpressure differential between the two airfoil surfaces is actually thephenomenon that induces the upward force called lift.

The present invention allows an even greater increase in the velocity ofthe fluid and a resulting decrease in the pressure across the surface ofan airfoil with identical power input into the aircraft. Stated anotherway, the present invention creates a more efficient airfoil and aircraftin that less power is required to achieve the same amount of lift if theairfoils of the aircraft employ one or more fluid flow regulators.

Related to lift is the principle or concept of angle of attack or angleof incidence. Angle of attack may briefly be defined as the angle formedby the longitudinal axis of the aircraft with respect to the chord ofthe airfoil. When analyzing the flow of fluid over an airfoil, namely anairfoil, the aerodynamic forces of pressure drag and friction drag arefactors of considerable importance, and factors that are considered whenanalyzing and determining airfoil performance at various angles ofattack. At relatively small or low profile angles of attack, theboundary layers on the top and bottom surfaces of the airfoil experienceonly mild pressure gradients, and they remain attached along almost theentire length of the chord. The vortices that form or that are generatedas the airfoil passes through the surface at these angles are much lessvolatile and are of a much less magnitude than those generated at higheror larger angles of attack. In addition, the drag experienced isprimarily due to friction drag rather than pressure drag (viscousfriction inside the boundary layer). On the other hand, as the angle ofattack is increased, the pressure gradients on the surfaces of theairfoil increase in magnitude, thus decreasing the attachment potentialof the fluid (or increasing the separation potential of the fluid andthe boundary layer). Any separation in the fluid will result in anincrease in turbulence, an increase in pressure loss, and an increase inthe volatility of the vortices coming off of the airfoil. As such, themagnitude of the pressure drag increases and the flow is less thanoptimal. At high angles of attack, the separation potential of the fluidis increased over the top surface of the airfoil, therefore scaling theinefficiency of the airfoil as the angel of attack increases.

The present invention further functions to regulate these pressuregradients at various angles of attack, therefore increasing theefficiency of the airfoil. Stated differently, incorporating one or morefluid flow regulators on an airfoil or airfoil structure significantlyimproves fluid flow over that surface and at all angles of attack versusthe same fluid flow over a streamlined airfoil at the same angles ofattack. As such, airfoils incorporating the fluid flow regulators of thepresent invention provide significant advantages over prior art airfoilsby first, providing improved flow and overall efficiency at given anglesof attack, and second, by being able to significantly increase the angleof attack known as the stall angle of attack.

With reference to FIGS. 11-A and 11-B, illustrated is airfoil 200comprising two different angles of attack 350, shown at angles θ₁ andθ₂, respectively. As can be seen, the pressure drag 354 on airfoil 200at angle θ₁ in FIG. 11-A is not much less than the pressure drag 354 onairfoil 200 at the increased angle θ₂ in FIG. 11-B. The marginaldifference in pressure drag is due to the optimal fluid flow createdover surface 250, as well as to the fact that fluid flow regulatorsoperate to regulate pressure gradients along the surface of airfoil 200,thus being able to exert a greater influencing force upon the pressuregradients at a larger angle of attack than is required at a lower angleof attack. This variation in treatment may be accomplished using dynamicfluid flow regulators, as discussed in detail above, in which thepressure recovery drop may be altered or adjusted on demand, as needed.

Another significant advantage of the present invention fluid controlsystem is found in an embodiment wherein the distance or height of thedrop face of each fluid flow regulator 10 may be adjusted or isadjustable, either collectively at the same time and at the samedistance, or individually with each having differing heights. The fluidflow regulators 210 in FIGS. 11-A and 11-B may comprise a dynamicelement that allows them to be adjustable similar to that describedabove. Providing adjustability in each fluid flow regulator 210 isadvantageous because it is often critical or desirable to account for,accommodate, and compensate for various environmental conditions andfactors, such as changing velocities, pressures, and densities of afluid flowing over the surface of an object. These regulators may beadjusted by adjusting either the leading edge or the trailing edge, or acombination of these. Alternatively, fluid flow regulators 210 may beadjusted using one or more types of mechanisms or systems thatmanipulate one or more component parts of fluid flow regulators 210. Theadjustability feature becomes important when the airfoil undergoesvarying changes in conditions resulting in different air flowparameters. For example, the speed and altitude of an aircraft arecontinually changing. Air flow should be able to be optimized at anyspeed or altitude, including very slow speeds and low altitudes to machor supersonic speeds and high altitudes.

FIGS. 11-A and 11-B also illustrate pressure gradients along the bottomsurface of airfoil 200 that also change according to the angle ofattack, and that also may be regulated by one or more fluid flowregulators 210, as shown. Manipulation of pressure gradients along thebottom of airfoil 200 is made possible by the incorporation of one ormore fluid flow regulators 210, similarly to manipulation of thosepressure gradients existing on the upper surface of airfoil 200. Asmentioned above, optimizing fluid flow and regulating pressure gradientsalong the surfaces of airfoil 200 using one or more fluid flowregulators allows airfoil 200 to experience greater angels of attackthan would otherwise be possible.

Hydrofoils Comprising a Fluid Flow Regulating System and Method

The discussion above on airfoils is equally applicable to hydrofoilswith one notable difference—the fluid medium. Airfoils are subject togaseous fluids, such as air of some other type of gas. On the otherhand, hydrofoils are subject to liquid fluids, such as water. Althoughthe design of airfoils and hydrofoils may differ slightly orsignificantly, each is a foil over which fluid passes. As such, thediscussion above pertaining to airfoils is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

As hydrofoils are subject to liquid fluids, it follows that the behaviorof the fluid about the hydrofoil will be different. This is in largepart due to the density, viscosity, and compressibility of liquids.

As fluid passes over the surface of a hydrofoil, the molecules in thefluid move around the hydrofoil. The density of the fluid is such thatpressure gradients induced are less significant or pronounced than withair. Stated differently, the forces acting upon the object movingthrough the liquid are much less than they would be with air because thefluid is essentially in a more compressed state and it requires a greatdeal of disturbance to upset the equilibrium of these molecules. As thepressure gradients and the forces acting upon the object are lesspronounced, it follows that the pressure recovery needed to optimize thefluid and keep the fluid attached will also be less than with air. Inaddition, because liquids are more dense than air, there is a greatertendency for the liquid to remain constant and uncompressed, even athigher velocities. As such, fluid flow regulators may be designed toaccount for the different densities of various liquids. For example, thedrop face in the pressure recovery drop of an object subject to a liquidfluid medium will comprise a smaller distance than would be required forthe same object subject to a gaseous medium. This is true because theamount of pressure recovery needed to maintain the attachment of theliquid fluid and to reduce liquid separation is less due to the factthat the forces acting upon the object as it passes through the liquidare much less, and therefore, a smaller degree or magnitude ofcounteracting forces is needed to create and maintain optimal fluidflow.

It should be noted that the present invention is applicable to airfoilsand hydrofoils of any shape, size, and/or geometry and to airfoils andhydrofoils for any application or operating environment.

Moreover, the present invention is applicable to foils of any type andfor any application. As such, there are several specific foils discussedin further detail below, wherein these foils may be suitable for eithera liquid medium, a gaseous or air medium, or both. Particularly, thepresent invention features a propeller blade, a fan blade, a turbineblade, a rotor blade, and an impeller blade, each comprising one or morefluid flow regulators.

Foils in Rotary Devices

The present invention airfoils and hydrofoils discussed above aresimilar to the blades, vanes, rotors, and other similar structures thatare apart of various rotating or rotary devices. As such, the generalterm “foil” as described herein pertains to airfoils, hydrofoils, andthe various fluid bearing structures found in rotary devices. Severalsuch rotary devices are provided below.

Propeller

The present invention features a propeller and propeller rotor or bladecomprising or featuring one or more fluid flow regulators to influenceand optimize fluid flow over the blades, and to improve the efficiencyof the propeller. The present invention is applicable for propellersintended for use within gaseous (e.g., air) mediums (airplanepropellers), as well as propellers intended to be used within liquid(e.g., water) mediums (e.g., boat, ship, and various watercraftpropellers).

Propellers and other similar rotary devices (i.e., those discussedbelow) are designed to convert the useful energy of the powering means,such as a motor, into thrust to either push or pull a craft through thefluid medium. In case of a plane, the positioning of the propeller onthe front of the airplane effectively pulls the airplane through theair, while on a boat, because the propeller is located in the rear ofthe boat, the propeller effectively pushes the boat through the water.

With reference to FIG. 12-A, shown is an exemplary boat propeller 450,which comprises a plurality of blades 454-a, 454-b, and 454-c attachedto a center hub 458 that rotates as indicated. As propeller 450 rotateswithin water 2, water 2 flows over the surfaces of blades 454. As such,blades 454 comprise at least one, and preferably two, fluid flowregulators 410 formed or featured within their surfaces.

FIG. 12-B illustrates a side view of propeller 450, with a cross-sectionof blade 454 taken along its chord. As blade 454 rotates, it displaceswater 2 and forces or pushes water 2 down and back, thus creating a highpressure gradient along the upper surface, or pressure surface 462, ofblade 454. At the same time, a low pressure gradient is created alongthe lower surface, or suction surface 466, of blade 454, wherein water 2will move in behind blade 454 to try and fill the low pressure areacreated by the downward moving blade. The different pressures alongpressure surface 462 and suction surface 466 result in a pressuredifferential between pressure surface 462 and suction surface 466—apositive force (the pushing effect) on suction surface 466, and anegative force (the pulling effect) on pressure surface 462. As such,thrust is generated and the boat or ship propelled forward. These forcesare similar to those operating on the airfoils discussed above. Thissame effect is created on each of blades 454 as propeller 450 rotateswithin water 2.

Stated differently, the pressure differential between pressure andsuction surfaces 462 and 466, respectively, causes water 2 to be drawninto propeller 450 from the front 470 due to the low pressure underneathblades 454, and accelerate out the aft 474 due to the higher pressureahead. As such, propeller 450 functions much like a fan that pulls airin from the behind, and blows it out the front. Propeller 450 pullswater in from the front, and as propeller 450 rotates, water acceleratesthrough and around blades 454, thus creating a stream of higher-velocitywater behind propeller 450. This action of pulling water in and pushingit out at a higher velocity is known as adding momentum to the water,while the change in momentum or acceleration of the water results inthrust force.

In FIG. 12-B, blade 454 comprises a different shape along its chord,such that suction surface 466 has a more prominent camber or curvatureto its shape than pressure surface 462. This curvature creates the lowpressure experienced on suction surface 466, thus inducing lift, similarto the wing on an airplane. Of course with propeller 450, the resultingforce is not really lift, but is rather translated into a horizontalmovement or thrust component.

Propeller 450 moves though the water in a similar manner as a mechanicalscrew moves forward through a piece of wood. As such, the distance orforward motion depends mainly on the pitch of each blade 454 ofpropeller 450. Pitch is commonly known and generally defined herein asthe distance propeller 450 moves after one complete revolution, and isrelated to the angle at which the blades are oriented or positioned oncentral hub 458. The fluid flow regulators may be designed to follow orconform to pitch.

FIG. 12-B further illustrates blades 454 comprising a plurality of fluidflow regulators 410-a and 410-b. Fluid flow regulators 410 are placed atoptimal pressure recovery points 434 along either or both of pressureand suction surfaces 462 and 466, and function as described above.Specifically, fluid flow regulators 410-a and 410-b each comprise apressure recovery drop 426-a and 426-b, respectively, that allows thepressure gradients and water flow over pressure and suction surfaces tobe optimized. As water flows over each of pressure and suction surfaces462 and 466, it encounters fluid flow regulators 410-a and 410-b,wherein a sudden decrease in pressure is induced and sub-atmosphericbarriers 438-a and 438-b are created. As such, these fluid flowregulators 410 reduce the drag along pressure and suction surfaces 462and 466, wherein the potential for pressure recovery is increased. Aspressure recovery is increased, friction drag is also decreased, whichsignificantly reduces the separation and separation potential of water 2and makes flow of fluid 2 much more optimal.

The particular propeller described and illustrated above is merelyprovided as one exemplary embodiment employing the present inventionfluid flow regulators. Indeed, several other sized, shaped, andotherwise designed propellers exist, whether intended for a specific orgeneral purpose. As such, the present invention is not limited to thespecific type of propeller described and shown herein. As one ordinarilyskilled in the art will recognize, any propeller design will be ablemake use of and benefit from the present invention fluid flowregulators.

Fan and Fan Blade

The present invention further features a fan and fan rotor or bladecomprising or featuring one or more fluid flow regulators to influenceand optimize fluid flow over the blades, and to improve the efficiencyof the fan. The present invention is particularly applicable for fansintended for use within gaseous (e.g., air) mediums. Moreover, highpressure and low pressure fans are also contemplated. The presentinvention technology is equally applicable to axial-flow fans,centrifugal-flow fans, and/or mixed-flow fans.

FIGS. 13-A illustrates a front view of an axial-flow fan 550 having aplurality of blades 554 attached to a rotating center hub 558. FIG. 13-Afurther illustrates blades 554 comprising or featuring one or more fluidflow regulators 510, shown as fluid flow regulators 510-a and 510-b. Anaxial-flow fan in its simplest from consists of a rotor made up ofnumber of blades fitted to the hub. When it is rotated by an electricmotor or any other drive, a flow is established through the rotor. Theactions of the rotor cause an increase in the stagnation pressure of airor gas across it. Thus, the present invention functions, among otherthings, to regulate this stagnation pressure.

FIG. 13-B illustrates a side view of fan 550 and a cross-section ofblade 554. FIG. 13-B further illustrates fluid flow regulators 510-a and510-b positioned at optimal pressure recovery points 534-a and 534-balong pressure surface 562 that is opposite suction surface 566, andoriented perpendicular to the direction of flow of fluid 2 as fan 550 iscaused to rotate. Fluid flow regulators 510-a and 510-b each comprisethe elements described above, namely pressure recovery drops 526-a and526-b and sub-atmospheric barriers 538-a and 538-b.

As the design, function, and operation of fans and fan blades is similarto propellers, a detailed discussion of the dynamics of fans is notpresented herein. Rather, the description, elements, features, effects,and advantages discussed above for propellers comprising one or morefluid flow regulators, as well as those generally discussed herein,is/are incorporated herein as they pertain to fans and fan blades.

The following example represents application of the present inventionfluid flow regulators to one exemplary fan and the experiments conductedusing the fan, as well as the results obtained. This example is notintended to limit the present invention in any way as one ordinarilyskilled in the art will recognize perhaps several other obviousapplications and structures to which the present invention may apply.

EXAMPLE ONE

For this experiment, two 20″ Lakewood axial-flow window fans werepurchased. These fans have five vanes that are approximately 0.045 thickand a ½ Hp motor. The guards from both fans were removed and the fanblades of each modified to remove the plastic flashing, thus making theblades as uniform to each other as possible. This was done by de-burringthe plastic flashing. Then, one of the fans was taken and each bladethereon modified to comprise a single fluid flow regulator integrallyformed into the pressure surface of each blade using a hot knife to puta pressure recovery drop on each of the five blades. Each pressurerecovery drop was oriented longitudinally along the length of the bladeto be perpendicular to fluid flow as the fan blades rotate.

As each fan comprised the same motor, the fans were then switched on.For each fan, several performance characteristics were tested andseveral measurements taken for each of these, including the amp draw,air velocity, temperature, and RPM.

The results of the tests were as follows. The first thing discovered wasa significant reduction in sound. The fan comprising the unmodified,standard fan blades was much noisier than the modified fan comprisingthe fluid flow regulators. The difference in noise was estimated atabout 80%. The amp draw for each fan was then tested and found to be thesame for each fan. Although the modified fan felt like it was generatingmore thrust, the air velocity seemed to be higher on the standard fan.This was later investigated further as discussed below. The temperatureof the modified fan air exhaust was about two degrees cooler than thestandard fan. In addition, the RPM of the standard fan was about fifteenpercent (15%) faster than the modified fan.

As the modified fan felt like it was generating more thrust, the twofans were placed face to face. The result was instantly noticeable asthe modified fan nearly toppled the standard fan. It was then concludedthat the modified fan was rotating slower than the standard fan becauseit was displacing a greater volume of air than the standard fan. Toverify this, a sheet was placed above each fan at its face. The sheetleading from the modified fan filled with much more air than did thesheet leading from the standard fan. As such, it was concluded that thepresence of one or more fluid flow regulators as discussed hereinfunctioned to improve the air flow over the fan by optimizing the airflow and decreasing the separation of the air from the surface of thefan. All of this, in turn, functioned to improve the efficiency of thefan. Indeed, the fan was able to turn slower, thus conserving power,produce more thrust, displace a greater volume of air, and cool theexhaust—each significant and attractive advantages.

The particular fan described and illustrated above is merely provided asone exemplary embodiment employing the present invention fluid flowregulators. Indeed, several other sized, shaped, and otherwise designedfans exist, whether intended for a specific or general purpose. As such,the present invention is not limited to the specific type of fandescribed and shown herein. As one ordinarily skilled in the art willrecognize, any fan design will be able make use of and benefit from thepresent invention fluid flow regulators.

Rotor System ands Rotor blade

The present invention further features a rotor system and rotor bladecomprising or featuring one or more fluid flow regulators to influenceand optimize fluid flow over the blades, and to improve the efficiencyof the rotor system. The present invention is applicable for rotorsystems particularly intended for use within gaseous (e.g., air)mediums, such as a helicopter rotor system (both main and tail rotors).

Rotor systems depend primarily on rotation to produce relative fluidflow that develops or creates the aerodynamic forces required forflight. Because of its rotation, rotor systems are subject to forces andmoments distinctive to all rotating masses. One of the forces producedis centrifugal force, and is defined as the force that tends to makerotating bodies move away from the center of rotation. Another forceproduced in the rotor system is centripetal force, which is defined asthe force that counteracts centrifugal force by keeping an object acertain radius from the axis of rotation. As an example, the rotatingblades of a helicopter produce very high centrifugal loads on the rotorhead and blade attachment assemblies. The vertical force causing lift ina helicopter is produced when the blades assume a positive angle ofattack. The horizontal force propelling the helicopter forward is causedby the centrifugal force induced by the rotation of the rotors. As such,there are several aerodynamic forces at work.

FIGS. 14-A, 14-B, and 14-C illustrate an exemplary rotor that would beutilized on a helicopter. Specifically, these Figures illustrate rotorsystem 650, and particularly rotor blade 654, as comprising a pluralityof fluid flow regulators 610 positioned at optimal pressure recoverypoints 634. Fluid flow regulators are shown comprising a pressurerecovery drop 626, and a sub-atmospheric barrier 638, each of whichfunction as described herein.

FIG. 14-A illustrates rotor system 650 comprising first and secondrotors, 654-a and 654-b, attached to a rotor mast 656 via a yoke 658.Rotors 654 comprise a plurality of fluid flow regulators 610 thereinthat are positioned along upper surface 662 at an optimal pressurerecovery point 630, and oriented so as to be perpendicular to the flowof air 2 as rotor system 650 rotates.

FIG. 14-B illustrates a cross-sectional view of rotor 654 at a zero orpositive lift (shown as θ₁). FIG. 14-B also illustrates fluid flowactuators 610-c placed along lower surface 666. FIG. 14-C illustrates asimilar cross-sectional view of rotor 654, but at a significantly higherangle of attack (shown as θ₂) than the rotor shown in FIG. 14-B. Rotorsystem 650 and rotor blades 654 function similar to the airfoildiscussed above, and thus is not described in any more detail here.

Essentially, the fluid flow regulators 610 function as described aboveto regulate the pressure gradients along the surfaces of the rotor asneeded to maintain fluid attachment and to optimize the fluid flow overrotor system 650.

However, it is believed that the present invention fluid flow actuatorsprovide several additional advantages for rotor systems (and allrotating members intended for fluid flow). As pressure is regulatedacross the surfaces of the rotors and fluid flow optimized by the fluidflow regulators, the total RPM of the rotor may be decreased to displacethe same amount of volume of air as prior art rotor systems. An increasein air displacement therefore produces a more significant amount ofthrust, all while requiring less power to operate the rotor system.Moreover, it is believed that the centrifugal force produced isincreased due to the greater displacement of fluid volume.

Rotor tip vortices are one of the most significant aerodynamic featuresof a helicopter rotor wake. In the contrast to fixed-wing aircraft wherethe tip vortices trail down stream, rotor tip vortices can remain inclose proximity of the rotor for a significant time. As such, they arekey factors in determining the rotor performance, local blade loads andaero acoustics noise. Therefore, accurate prediction of the wakegeometries is required. A more detailed discussion of rotor vortices (orrather blade vortices pertaining to various rotary devices) is providedbelow.

The particular rotor described and illustrated above is merely providedas one exemplary embodiment employing the present invention fluid flowregulators. Indeed, several other sized, shaped, and otherwise designedrotors exist, whether intended for a specific or general purpose. Assuch, the present invention is not limited to the specific type of rotordescribed and shown herein. As one ordinarily skilled in the art willrecognize, any rotor design will be able make use of and benefit fromthe present invention fluid flow regulators.

Impeller

The present invention further features an impeller and impeller bladecomprising or featuring one, or more fluid flow regulators to influenceand optimize fluid flow over the blades, and to improve the efficiencyof the impeller. The present invention is applicable for impellersintended for use within gaseous (e.g., air) mediums, as well asimpellers intended to be used within liquid (e.g., water) mediums.

FIG. 15-A illustrates a front view of an mixed-flow impeller 750 havinga plurality of blades 754 attached to a rotating center hub or spindle758. FIG. 15-A further illustrates blades 754 comprising or featuringone or more fluid flow regulators 710, shown as fluid flow regulators710-a and 710-b.

FIG. 15-B illustrates a side view of impeller 750 and a cross-section ofblade 754. FIG. 15-B further illustrates fluid flow regulators 710-a and710-b positioned at optimal pressure recovery points 734-a and 734-balong pressure surface 762 that is opposite suction surface 766, andoriented perpendicular to the direction of flow of fluid 2 as impeller750 is caused to rotate. Fluid flow regulators 710-a and 710-b eachcomprise the elements described above, namely pressure recovery drops726-a and 726-b and sub-atmospheric barriers 738-a and 738-b.

As the design, function, and operation of impellers and impeller bladesis similar to propellers and fans, a detailed discussion of the dynamicsof impellers is not presented herein. Rather, the description, elements,features, effects, and advantages discussed above for propellers andfans comprising one or more fluid flow regulators, as well as thosegenerally discussed herein, is/are incorporated herein as they pertainto impellers and impeller blades.

The particular impeller described and illustrated above is merelyprovided as one exemplary embodiment employing the present inventionfluid flow regulators. Indeed, several other sized, shaped, andotherwise designed impellers exist, whether intended for a specific orgeneral purpose. As such, the present invention is not limited to thespecific type of impeller described and shown herein. As one ordinarilyskilled in the art will recognize, any impeller design will be able makeuse of and benefit from the present invention fluid flow regulators.

Turbine

The present invention further features a turbine and turbine rotor orblade comprising or featuring one or more fluid flow regulators toinfluence and optimize fluid flow over the blades, and to improve theefficiency of the turbine. The present invention is applicable forturbines intended for use within gaseous (e.g., air) mediums, as well asturbines intended to be used within liquid (e.g., water) mediums.

FIG. 16-A illustrates a front view of a mixed-flow turbine 850 having aplurality of blades 854 attached to a rotating center hub or spindle858. FIG. 16-A further illustrates blades 854 comprising or featuringone or more fluid flow regulators 810, shown as fluid flow regulators810-a and 810-b.

FIG. 16-B illustrates a side view of turbine 850 and a cross-section ofblade 854. FIG. 16-B further illustrates fluid flow regulators 810-a and810-b positioned at optimal pressure recovery points 834-a and 834-balong pressure surface 862 that is opposite suction surface 866, andoriented perpendicular to the direction of flow of fluid 2 as turbine850 is caused to rotate. Fluid flow regulators 810-a and 810-b eachcomprise the elements described above, namely pressure recovery drops826-a and 826-b and sub-atmospheric barriers 838-a and 838-b.

As the design, function, and operation of turbines and turbine blades issimilar to propellers, fans, and impellers, a detailed discussion of thedynamics of turbines is not presented herein. Rather, the description,elements, features, effects, and advantages discussed above forpropellers, fans, and impellers comprising one or more fluid flowregulators, as well as those generally discussed herein, is/areincorporated herein as they pertain to turbines and turbine blades.

The particular turbine described and illustrated above is merelyprovided as one exemplary embodiment employing the present inventionfluid flow regulators. Indeed, several other sized, shaped, andotherwise designed turbines exist, whether intended for a specific orgeneral purpose. As such, the present invention is not limited to thespecific type of turbine described and shown herein. As one ordinarilyskilled in the art will recognize, any turbine design will be able makeuse of and benefit from the present invention fluid flow regulators.

FIGS. 17-A and 17-B illustrate front views of two identical typeaxial-flow fans 550-a and 550-b, respectively, each comprising aplurality of vanes or blades 554. With reference to FIG. 17-A, blades554 of fan 550-a comprise a streamlined design, such that if across-section of blade 554 was taken, each surface of blade 554 wouldreveal a smooth or streamlined design.

On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 17-B, blades 554 of fan 550-beach comprise a plurality of fluid flow regulators 510-a and 510-bfeatured on either the pressure surface, or suction surface, or both, ofblades 554.

The purpose of FIGS. 17-A and 17-B is to illustrate the difference inthe generation and potential for vane or rotor or blade tip vortices 580induced by the rotation of each of fans 550-a and 550-b, between thestreamlined blades of fan 550-a, and the blades of fan 550-b comprisingfluid flow regulators 510. Each of these designs generate vane or bladetip vortices, but in much different magnitudes. Blade tip vortices arethe result of high pressure air under the blades spilling around andover the blade tips to equalize the low pressure area above the uppersurface, wherein the high pressure air is induced by blade tipvelocities and other forces. Blade tip vortices are common in the artand numerous design and situational considerations have been impactedand implemented because of these. Moreover, experts have only been ableto marginally reduce these vortices with various devices or systems andthey remain a major consideration in the design of different fan,propeller, turbine, and other similar rotary devices.

As can be seen, blades 554 of fan 550-a comprise a streamlined designthat induces large and volatile or turbulent vortices 580 as fluidleaves the surface of blades 554. These large and volatile vortices area direct result of the imbalanced fluid flow and pressure differentialsacross the upper and lower or pressure and suction surfaces of blades554, and particularly, to the greater pressure drag existing at thefrontal surface than that at the rear or tail (see FIGS. 10-A and 10-Band the description pertaining to these). Due to these differentials andimbalances, as the fluid leaves the tail of blades 554 it does soviolently, thus creating a large vortex 580.

On the other hand, blades 554 of fan 550-b each comprise a plurality offluid flow regulators 510 that, among other things, function to create agreater equilibrium in pressure drag between the frontal surface and thetail end of blades 554, as well as to regulate pressure along the upperand lower surfaces of blades 554 (again, see FIGS. 10-A and 10-B and thedescription pertaining to these). All of this drastically reduces theseparation of the fluid from the blades, resulting in more laminar,optimized flow. The regulation of pressure, the greater equilibriumcreated in the fluid flow, and the generally optimal fluid flowgenerated by fluid flow regulators 510 substantially reduces the bladetip vortex potential of blades 554. As shown, the vortices 580 generatedfrom fluid leaving the surface of blades 554 are much smaller and muchless volatile as the transition from blade to air is made smoother andmuch less violent by the fluid flow regulators.

It should be noted that each of the devices discussed and illustratedherein, namely airfoils, hydrofoils, and the several rotary devices orsystems may comprise any number of fluid flow regulators, preferablypositioned at various optimal pressure recovery points, wherein theseregulators may be sized and shaped, and oriented in any directionrelative to fluid flow as needed or required. As such, those shown aboveare not intended to be accurate, but merely represent exemplaryconfigurations. The specific orientation, number, and design of fluidflow regulators for any given device will most likely be a strategicdetermination that requires significant research, study,experimentation, and analysis and will be apparent to one skilled in theart.

The advantages of providing one or more fluid flow regulators on one ormore surfaces of the rotating or rotary devices described above areseveral, namely those discussed above. In addition, several otheradvantages are also recognized. First, pertaining to fans, propellers,turbines, etc., because of the optimized fluid flow, a greater volume offluid moved through these devices. This is accomplished by increasingthe attachment of the fluid as it passes over the surface, or, in otherwords, decreasing the separation of the fluid, thus increasing theresultant velocity of the fluid. As such, a greater amount of fluid isdisplace using the same power input, which also suggests that thesedevices are much more efficient than prior art designs. Second, there ismore thrust because there is more fluid volume being displaced. Third,as stated, less energy is required to push the same amount of fluid aswith prior art propellers. Fourth, the blade or vane vortices aresignificantly reduced due to the more attached and laminar flow of thefluid, as well as the more equalized pressure gradients along thesurfaces of the blades of each device, as well as between the front andaft sections.

Another significant advantage and one that warrants further discussionis that the present invention fluid flow regulators are responsible forsignificantly reducing the sound or noise caused or induced by therotating or rotary devices discussed above. The origins and mainfeatures of aerodynamically generated sound are typically described interms of a combination of both fluid dynamics and acoustics. These are,for example, flow separation, and flow instability, and vortices on theone hand, coupled with the hydrodynamic flows of acoustic monopoles,dipoles, and quadpoles on the other. With an emphasis on the vortextheory of aerodynamic sound, various theoretical approaches aregenerally described in physical terms and are illustrated by a varietyof sound-generating flows, some of which may be classified as free flowswith no solid surfaces present (spinning vortices, turbulent jet noise,supersonic jet screech), flows over rigid surfaces (boundary layernoise, whistling telephone wires, edge tones, pipe tones, and whistling,organ pipes), interaction with steadily moving surfaces (helicopterblade slap, fan blade interaction), and flow with excited surfaces(interior aircraft boundary layer noise, Aeolian tones, etc.). Some ofthese involved no resonance at all, while others have flow resonance,acoustic resonance or mechanical vibration or resonance. The presentinvention functions to optimize fluid flow by reducing the separationand separation potential of the fluid via the regulation of the pressuregradients across the surface. As such, a significant result of this is anoticeable reduction in sound, which may be considered extremelyadvantageous for many applications. For example, one particularapplication in which noise is a considerable problem and in which anynoise reduction will be a significant benefit is in jet engines. Assuch, utilizing one or more fluid flow regulating devices as describedherein on the various component parts of a jet engine (e.g., turbineblades, fan blades, diffuser vanes, pumps, exhaust systems, nozzles,compressors, injectors, etc.) will significantly improve the efficiencyof the jet engine, as well as significantly reduce the noise induced bythe jet engine.

Other advantages may be recognized by one ordinarily skilled in the artand those specifically recited herein should not be construed aslimiting in any way. The present invention further features a method forimproving or optimizing the fluid flow over a foil, for influencing themagnitude and rate of pressure recovery along the foil, and foroptimizing the performance of a foil subject to fluid flow. The methodcomprises the steps of: featuring at least one fluid flow regulator withone or more surfaces of a foil, said fluid flow regulator comprising apressure recovery drop having at least one drop face formed therein,wherein the drop face comprises a calculated height; subjecting the foilto a fluid, such that the fluid is caused to move about the foil; andcausing the fluid to encounter the fluid flow regulator, such that thepressure recovery drop induces a sudden drop in pressure as the fluidflows over the fluid flow regulator, wherein a sub-atmospheric barrieris created at the base of the drop face, the fluid flow regulatorfunctioning to regulate pressure gradients and optimize fluid flow aboutthe foil, thus increasing the performance of the foil in the fluid.Pressure recovery drop is preferably positioned at or near an optimalpressure recovery point. Pressure recovery drop may also be repositionedto another location in response to varying conditions surrounding thefluid flow. The method further comprises the step of varying thepressure recovery drop, and particularly the height of the drop face, inresponse to changing conditions.

Causing the fluid to encounter a fluid flow regulator has the effect ofoptimizing fluid flow and the performance of the foil within the fluid.Specifically, the fluid flow regulator functions to regulate thepressure gradients that exist along the surface by reducing the pressuredrag at various locations along the surface, as well as the pressuredrag induced forward and aft of the foil, via a pressure recovery drop.This function increases pressure recovery and pressure recoverypotential as a result of regulating the pressure gradients and reducingthe pressure drag, which reduces friction drag along the surface as aresult of increasing the pressure recovery. All of these function tosignificantly decrease fluid separation and fluid separation potential.

The present invention further features a method for improving oroptimizing the fluid flow over a foil subject to fluid flow and foroptimizing the performance of a structure, body, device, or systemcomprising the foil. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a foilhaving at least one surface subject to fluid flow; featuring at leastone fluid flow regulator with the surface; and subjecting the foil toair flow. The fluid flow regulator comprises all of the elementsdescribed herein, and functions as described herein. All of thefeatures, functions, elements, and advantages discussed above and hereinare hereby incorporated into the foregoing method.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. In addition, thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. As such, the scope of the invention isindicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes, which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An airfoil comprising: a frontal surface that leads through a fluid;an first surface relating with said frontal surface that receives fluidflow thereon; a second surface opposite said first surface and relatingwith said frontal surface, said second surface also receiving fluidthereon; a airfoil tip relating to said first and second surfaces thatreleases fluid from said airfoil; and at least one fluid flow regulatorfeatured and operable with said first surface, said fluid flow regulatorcomprising a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a pressure recovery dropextending between said leading and trailing edges to form a down step,said pressure recovery drop comprising at least one drop face of acalculated height formed therein, said fluid flow regulator functioningto optimize air flow, reduce separation of said fluid over said firstsurface of said airfoil, and reduce induced noise.
 2. The airfoil ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one fluid flow regulator featuredand operable with said second surface.
 3. The airfoil of claim 1,wherein said fluid flow regulator is integrally formed with said firstsurface.
 4. The airfoil of claim 1, wherein said fluid flow regulator isremovably attached to said first surface.
 5. The airfoil of claim 1,wherein said fluid flow regulator is positioned in an orientationselected from the group consisting of perpendicular to the direction offlow of said fluid, substantially perpendicular to the direction of flowof said fluid, on an angle with respect to said direction of flow ofsaid fluid, parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of flowof said fluid, and any combination of these.
 6. The airfoil of claim 1,wherein said fluid flow regulator comprises a formation selected fromthe group consisting of linear, curved, spline, and any combination ofthese.
 7. The airfoil of claim 1, wherein said fluid flow regulator ispositioned at or proximate an optimal pressure recovery point at whichpoint there is an imbalanced or unequal pressure gradient forward andaft of said fluid, thus creating an adverse pressure about said airfoil,which adverse pressure gradient induces friction and pressure drag thatultimately increases the separation potential of said fluid.
 8. Theairfoil of claim 1, wherein said fluid flow regulator comprises adynamic fluid flow regulator that functions to vary the height of saidat least one drop face.
 9. The airfoil of claim 8, wherein said dynamicfluid flow regulator inconsistently varies the height of said drop facealong the length of said pressure recovery drop.
 10. The airfoil ofclaim 1, wherein said fluid flow regulator comprises means foreffectuating vector positioning about said airfoil.
 11. The airfoil ofclaim 1, wherein said pressure recovery drop comprises an orthogonaldesign.
 12. The airfoil of claim 1, wherein said first and secondsurfaces comprise a plurality of said fluid flow regulators.
 13. Theairfoil of claim 1, wherein said airfoil is selected from the groupconsisting of a fan blade, a rotor, a turbine blade, a blower blade, animpeller, a propeller, and any other similar airfoils.
 14. The airfoilof claim 1, further comprising a sub-atmospheric barrier that issuddenly generated as said fluid encounters and flows over said pressurerecovery drop, said sub-atmospheric barrier comprising a low pressurearea of fluid molecules having decreased kinetic energy that serve as acushion between said higher kinetic energy fluid molecules in said fluidand the molecules at said surface to facilitate laminar flow and assistin the reduction of the separation potential of said fluid.
 15. Ahydrofoil comprising: a frontal surface that leads through a liquid; anfirst surface relating with said frontal surface that receives liquidflow thereon; a second surface opposite said first surface and relatingwith said frontal surface, said second surface also receiving saidliquid thereon; a hydrofoil tip relating to said first and secondsurfaces that releases said liquid from said hydrofoil; and at least onefluid flow regulator featured and operable with said first surface, saidfluid flow regulator comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge, and apressure recovery drop extending between said leading and trailing edgesto form a down step, said pressure recovery drop comprising at least onedrop face of a calculated height formed therein, said fluid flowregulator functioning to optimize liquid flow, reduce separation of saidliquid over said first surface of said hydrofoil, and reduce inducednoise.
 16. The hydrofoil of claim 15, further comprising at least onefluid flow regulator featured and operable with said second surface. 17.The hydrofoil of claim 15, wherein said fluid flow regulator isintegrally formed with said first surface.
 18. The hydrofoil of claim15, wherein said fluid flow regulator is removably attached to saidfirst surface.
 19. The hydrofoil of claim 15, wherein said fluid flowregulator is positioned in an orientation selected from the groupconsisting of perpendicular to the direction of flow of said liquid,substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of said liquid, onan angle with respect to said direction of flow of said liquid, parallelor substantially parallel to the direction of flow of said liquid, andany combination of these.
 20. The hydrofoil of claim 15, wherein saidfluid flow regulator comprises a formation selected from the groupconsisting of linear, curved, spline, and any combination of these. 21.The hydrofoil of claim 15, wherein said fluid flow regulator ispositioned at or proximate an optimal pressure recovery point as thelocation(s) about said surface at which there is an imbalanced orunequal pressure gradient forward and aft of said fluid, thus creatingan adverse pressure about said hydrofoil, which adverse pressuregradient induces friction and pressure drag that ultimately increasesthe separation potential of said fluid.
 22. The hydrofoil of claim 15,wherein said fluid flow regulator comprises a dynamic fluid flowregulator that functions to vary the height of said at least one dropface.
 23. The hydrofoil of claim 22, wherein said dynamic fluid flowregulator inconsistently varies the height of said drop face along thelength of said pressure recovery drop.
 24. The hydrofoil of claim 15,wherein said fluid flow regulator comprises means for effectuatingvector positioning about said hydrofoil.
 25. The hydrofoil of claim 15,wherein said pressure recovery drop comprises an orthogonal design. 26.The hydrofoil of claim 15, wherein said first and second surfacescomprise a plurality of said fluid flow regulators.
 27. The hydrofoil ofclaim 15, wherein said hydrofoil is selected from the group consistingof a fan blade, a rotor, a turbine blade, an impeller, a propeller, andany other similar hydrofoils.
 28. The hydrofoil of claim 15, furthercomprising a sub-atmospheric barrier that is suddenly generated as saidliquid encounters and flows over said pressure recovery drop, saidsub-atmospheric barrier comprising a low pressure area of liquidmolecules having decreased kinetic energy that serve as a cushionbetween said higher kinetic energy liquid molecules in said liquid andthe molecules at said surface to facilitate laminar flow and assist inthe reduction of the separation potential of said liquid.
 29. A fanblade connected to a central hub as part of a fan, said fan bladecomprising: a frontal fan blade surface that leads through a fluid; afan blade pressure surface relating with said frontal fan blade surfacethat receives fluid flow thereon; a fan blade suction surface oppositesaid fan blade pressure surface that also receives fluid thereon; atleast one fluid flow regulator featured and operable with either or bothof said fan blade pressure and suction surfaces, said fluid flowregulator comprising: a leading surface; a trailing surface; a pressurerecovery drop extending a pre-determined distance between said leadingand trailing edges to form a down step, said pressure recovery dropcomprising at least one drop face of a calculated height formed therein,said fluid flow regulator functioning to regulate existing pressuregradients along said fan blade to optimize and equalize said fluid flowand to reduce the separation potential of said fluid, wherein saidregulation of said pressure gradients positively influences the flowproperties and behavior of said fluid across said fan blade, and theperformance of said fan; a sub-atmospheric barrier that is generated assaid fluid encounters and flows over said pressure recovery drop, saidsub-atmospheric barrier comprising a low pressure area of fluidmolecules having decreased kinetic energy that serve as a cushionbetween said higher kinetic energy fluid molecules in said fluid and themolecules at said surface to facilitate laminar flow and assist in thereduction of the separation potential of said fluid; and a trailing edgethat defines and extends from the base of said pressure recovery dropthat provides a trailing flow boundary for said fluid.
 30. The fan bladeof claim 29, wherein said pressure recovery drop is positioned at orproximate an optimal pressure recovery point defined as the location(s)about said surface at which there is an imbalanced or unequal pressuregradient forward and aft of said fluid, thus creating an adversepressure about said fan blade, which adverse pressure gradient inducesfriction and pressure drag that ultimately increases the separationpotential of said fluid.
 31. A turbine vane connected to a central hubas part of a turbine, said turbine vane comprising: a frontal turbinevane surface that leads through a fluid; a turbine vane pressure surfacerelating with said frontal turbine vane surface that receives fluid flowthereon; a turbine vane suction surface opposite said turbine vanepressure surface that also receives fluid thereon; at least one fluidflow regulator featured and operable with either or both of said turbinevane pressure and suction surfaces, said fluid flow regulatorcomprising: a leading surface; a trailing surface; a pressure recoverydrop extending a pre-determined distance between said leading andtrailing surfaces to form a down step, said pressure recovery dropcomprising at least one drop face of a calculated height formed therein,said fluid flow regulator functioning to regulate existing pressuregradients along said turbine blade to optimize and equalize said fluidflow and to reduce the separation potential of said fluid, wherein saidregulation of said pressure gradients positively influences the flowproperties and behavior of said fluid across said turbine blade, and theperformance of said turbine; a sub-atmospheric barrier that is generatedas said fluid encounters and flows over said pressure recovery drop,said sub-atmospheric barrier comprising a low pressure area of fluidmolecules having decreased kinetic energy that serve as a cushionbetween said higher kinetic energy fluid molecules in said fluid and themolecules at said surface to facilitate laminar flow and assist in thereduction of the separation potential of said fluid; and a trailing edgethat defines and extends from the base of said pressure recovery dropthat provides a trailing flow boundary for said fluid.
 32. The turbineblade of claim 31, wherein said pressure recovery drop is positioned ator proximate an optimal pressure recovery point defined as thelocation(s) about said surface at which there is an imbalanced orunequal pressure gradient forward and aft of said fluid, thus creatingan adverse pressure about said turbine blade, which adverse pressuregradient induces friction and pressure drag that ultimately increasesthe separation potential of said fluid.
 33. A rotor blade connected to amast as part of a rotor system, said rotor blade comprising: a frontalrotor blade surface that leads through a fluid; a first rotor bladesurface relating with said frontal rotor blade surface that receivesfluid flow thereon; a rotor blade second surface opposite said firstrotor blade surface that also receives fluid thereon; at least one fluidflow regulator featured and operable with either or both of said firstand second rotor blade surfaces, said fluid flow regulator comprising: aleading surface; a trailing surface; a pressure recovery drop extendinga pre-determined distance between said leading and trailing surfaces toform a down step, said pressure recovery drop comprising at least onedrop face of a calculated height formed therein, said fluid flowregulator functioning to regulate existing pressure gradients along saidrotor blade to optimize and equalize said fluid flow and to reduce theseparation potential of said fluid, wherein said regulation of saidpressure gradients positively influences the flow properties andbehavior of said fluid across said rotor blade, and the performance ofsaid rotor system; a sub-atmospheric barrier that is generated as saidfluid encounters and flows over said pressure recovery drop, saidsub-atmospheric barrier comprising a low pressure area of fluidmolecules having decreased kinetic energy that serve as a cushionbetween said higher kinetic energy fluid molecules in said fluid and themolecules at said surface to facilitate laminar flow and assist in thereduction of the separation potential of said fluid; and a trailing edgethat defines and extends from the base of said pressure recovery dropthat provides a trailing flow boundary for said fluid.
 34. The rotorblade of claim 33, wherein said pressure recovery drop is positioned ator proximate an optimal pressure recovery point defined as thelocation(s) about said surface at which there is an imbalanced orunequal pressure gradient forward and aft of said fluid, thus creatingan adverse pressure about said rotor blade, which adverse pressuregradient induces friction and pressure drag that ultimately increasesthe separation potential of said fluid.
 35. An impeller blade connectedto a central hub as part of an impeller, said impeller blade comprising:a frontal impeller blade surface that leads through a fluid an impellerblade pressure surface relating with said frontal impeller blade surfacethat receives fluid flow thereon; an impeller blade suction surfaceopposite said impeller blade pressure surface that also receives fluidthereon; at least one fluid flow regulator featured and operable witheither or both of said impeller blade pressure and suction surfaces,said fluid flow regulator comprising: a leading surface; a trailingsurface; a pressure recovery drop extending a pre-determined distancebetween said leading and trailing surfaces to form a down step, saidpressure recovery drop comprising at least one drop face of a calculatedheight formed therein, said fluid flow regulator functioning to regulateexisting pressure gradients along said impeller blade to optimize andequalize said fluid flow and to reduce the separation potential of saidfluid, wherein said regulation of said pressure gradients positivelyinfluences the flow properties and behavior of said fluid across saidimpeller blade, and the performance of said impeller; a sub-atmosphericbarrier that is generated as said fluid encounters and flows over saidpressure recovery drop, said sub-atmospheric barrier comprising a lowpressure area of fluid molecules having decreased kinetic energy thatserve as a cushion between said higher kinetic energy fluid molecules insaid fluid and the molecules at said surface to facilitate laminar flowand assist in the reduction of the separation potential of said fluid;and a trailing edge that defines and extends from the base of saidpressure recovery drop that provides a trailing flow boundary for saidfluid.
 36. The impeller blade of claim 35, wherein said pressurerecovery drop is positioned at or proximate an optimal pressure recoverypoint defined as the location(s) about said surface at which there is animbalanced or unequal pressure gradient forward and aft of said fluid,thus creating an adverse pressure about said impeller blade, whichadverse pressure gradient induces friction and pressure drag thatultimately increases the separation potential of said fluid.
 37. Apropeller blade connected to a central hub as part of a propeller, saidpropeller blade comprising: a frontal propeller blade surface that leadsthrough a fluid; a propeller blade pressure surface relating with saidfrontal propeller blade surface that receives fluid flow thereon andthat is connected to and extends from a central rotating hub; apropeller blade suction surface opposite said pressure surface; at leastone fluid flow regulator featured and operable with either or both ofsaid pressure and suction surfaces, said fluid flow regulatorcomprising: a leading surface; a trailing surface; a pressure recoverydrop extending a pre-determined distance between said leading andtrailing surfaces to form a down step, said pressure recovery dropcomprising at least one drop face of a calculated height formed therein,said fluid flow regulator functioning to regulate existing pressuregradients along said propeller blade to optimize and equalize said fluidflow and to reduce the separation potential of the fluid, wherein saidregulation of said pressure gradients positively influences the flowproperties and behavior of said fluid across said propeller blade, andthe performance of said propeller; a sub-atmospheric barrier that isgenerated as said fluid encounters and flows over said pressure recoverydrop, said sub-atmospheric barrier comprising a low pressure area offluid molecules having decreased kinetic energy that serve as a cushionbetween said higher kinetic energy fluid molecules in said fluid and themolecules at said surface to facilitate laminar flow and assist in thereduction of the separation potential of said fluid; and a trailing edgethat defines and extends from the base of said pressure recovery dropthat provides a trailing flow boundary for said fluid.
 38. The propellerblade of claim 37, wherein said pressure recovery drop is positioned ator proximate an optimal pressure recovery point defined as thelocation(s) about said surface at which there is an imbalanced orunequal pressure gradient forward and aft of said fluid, thus creatingan adverse pressure about said propeller blade, which adverse pressuregradient induces friction and pressure drag that ultimately increasesthe separation potential of said fluid.
 39. An airfoil or hydrofoilhaving improved fluid flow thereon and comprising: an upper and lowersurface; and at least one fluid flow regulator featured in said upperand lower surface, said fluid flow regulator comprising a pressurerecovery drop having at least one drop face formed therein, said fluidflow regulator functioning to regulate pressure gradients and optimizefluid flow over said surface of said airfoil or hydrofoil.
 40. A methodfor influencing fluid flow over a surface of a foil and for influencingthe rate and magnitude of pressure recovery along said surface, saidmethod comprising the steps of: featuring at least one fluid flowregulator with one or more surfaces of a foil, said fluid flow regulatorcomprising: a pressure recovery drop having at least one drop faceformed therein, said drop face comprising a calculated height; asub-atmospheric barrier generated at the base of said drop face as saidfluid encounters said pressure recovery drop; subjecting said foil to afluid, such that said fluid is caused to move about said foil; andcausing said fluid to encounter said fluid flow regulator, such thatsaid pressure recovery drop induces a sudden drop in pressure as saidfluid flows over said fluid flow regulator, wherein a sub-atmosphericbarrier is created at the base of said drop face, said fluid flowregulator functioning to regulate pressure gradients and optimize fluidflow about said foil, thus increasing the performance of said foil insaid fluid.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein said step of featuringcomprises the step of positioning said fluid flow regulator at anoptimal pressure recovery point defined as the location(s) about saidsurface at which there is an imbalanced or unequal pressure gradientforward and aft of said fluid, thus creating an adverse pressure aboutsaid foil, which adverse pressure gradient induces friction and pressuredrag that ultimately increases the separation potential of said fluid.42. The method of claim 41, further comprising the step of repositioningsaid fluid flow regulator as said optimal pressure recovery pointschange in response to varying conditions surrounding said fluid flow.43. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of varying saidpressure recovery drop, and particularly said height of said drop face,in response to changing conditions.
 44. The method of claim 40, whereinsaid step of causing said fluid to encounter said fluid flow regulatorhas the effect of optimizing fluid flow and the performance of said foilwithin said fluid, said fluid flow regulator: regulating the pressuregradients that exist along said surface by reducing the pressure drag atvarious locations along said surface, as well as the pressure draginduced forward and aft of said foil, via a pressure recovery drop;increasing pressure recovery and pressure recovery potential as a resultof regulating said pressure gradients and reducing said pressure drag;reducing friction drag along said surface as a result of increasing saidpressure recovery; and decreasing fluid separation and fluid separationpotential as a result of said reducing friction drag.
 45. The method ofclaim 40, wherein said foil comprises a structure selected from thegroup consisting of an airfoil, a hydrofoil, a propeller blade, a fanblade, a rotor, a rotor blade, an impeller vane, a turbine vane, and anysimilar structures.
 46. A method for reducing noise caused by fluidflowing over an object, said method comprising the steps of: obtainingan object having one or more surfaces subject to fluid flow; featuringat least one fluid flow regulating device in said surface, said fluidflow regulating device comprising: a pressure recovery drop having atleast one drop face formed therein, said drop face comprising acalculated height; a sub-atmospheric barrier generated at the base ofsaid drop face as said fluid encounters said pressure recovery drop;subjecting said object to a fluid, such that said fluid is caused tomove about said object; and causing said fluid to encounter and passover said fluid flow regulator, such that said pressure recovery dropinduces a sudden drop in pressure as said fluid flows over said fluidflow regulator, wherein a sub-atmospheric barrier is created at the baseof said drop face, said fluid flow regulator functioning to regulatepressure gradients and optimize fluid flow about said object, thusincreasing the performance of said object in said fluid and reducing thenoise induced by said object in said fluid.